roberts code of california odd fellow laws...

Roberts Code Of California Odd Fellow

Laws 2016

Version 16.00

PREFACE TO THE CODE

This Code contains the constitution and laws of the Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, and the constitutions and laws of all Lodges in addition to the other entities operating under authority granted by the Grand Lodge of California, It is based upon legislation enacted by the Grand Lodge of California during its annual session and previous Grand Lodge of California sessions.

The format and organization of the “Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws” is similar to the

2012 of “The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the I.O.O.F” which is provided by The Sovereign Grand Lodge. The Chapters, pages, and bullets have been reformatted. This work represents the first total revision and proper corrections since 1981.

The contents and definitions have not been altered. Only the chapter, paragraph structure, bulleting,

grammatical, miscellaneous characters, and spelling errors have been corrected or changed. The meaning of the laws are still implied.

The Code is in Chapters. The Chapters are in Articles and Sections where Paragraphs, Sub-paragraphs,

and bullets contain the specific laws. There are references to “The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of The Sovereign Grand Lodge”, with a few exceptions that will pertain strictly to California Code.

Use this “Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws” in conjunction with “The Sovereign Grand

Lodge Code of General Laws of the I.O.O.F” provided by The Sovereign Grand Lodge. The order in which the laws take priority are:

• The Ritual • The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the I.O.O.F. • Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws • Lodge By-Laws • Instructions for Officers and Members • Roberts Rules of Order

The references in this code are read as: Chapter as indicated. The number after the hyphen is the page where the information can be found.

The Article and/or Section is as indicated and the letter or number is the bulleted item of the reference. The reference font will be recognized in Bold and Italicized.

EXAMPLE for The Sovereign Grand Lodge:

Chapter IV – 16, Part B, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws EXAMPLE for Roberts Code of California:

Chapter X – 1, Article IV, Section 1 (D), of this Code

This is a living document and is subject to changes. Verify that you have the most current version when using this book.

CONTENTS PAGE

CHAPTER I CHARTER OF THE GRAND LODGE .......................................................................................................................... 1

SEAL OF THE GRAND LODGE ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION ................................................................................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER II CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE ............................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II. POWERS .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE III. MEMBERS ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE V. OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES ...................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VI. IMPEACHMENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE VII. SESSIONS ................................................................................................................................................................ 5 ARTICLE VIII. RULES AND PRACTICES .......................................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE IX. GRAND LODGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ..................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE X. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS ......................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE XI. REVENUES ................................................................................................................................................................ 6 ARTICLE XII. APPEALS TO THE SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE ......................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE XIII. LAWS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7 ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

CHAPTER III THE GRAND LODGE BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES ...................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SECTION. 1. DUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER. ....................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE I BYLAWS ............................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION. 2. DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. ........................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION. 3. DUTIES OF THE GRAND WARDEN ...................................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION. 4. DUTIES OF THE GRAND SECRETARY. ................................................................................................................................... 6 SECTION. 5. DUTIES OF THE GRAND TREASURER. ................................................................................................................................... 9 SECTION. 6. DUTIES OF THE GRAND REPRESENTATIVES. ........................................................................................................................ 11 SECTION. 7. DUTIES OF THE GRAND LODGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ........................................................................................................ 11 SECTION. 8. OTHER DIRECTORS ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 SECTION. 9. REPORTS OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES. ............................................................................................... 16 SECTION. 10. DUTIES OF APPOINTIVE OFFICERS AND ASSISTANTS. .......................................................................................................... 17 SECTION. 11. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. .............................................................................................................................. 17 SECTION. 12. ELECTIONS. ............................................................................................................................................................... 19 SECTION. 13. FILLING OF VACANCIES OF GRAND LODGE POSITIONS. ....................................................................................................... 22 SECTION. 14. COMMITTEES OF THE GRAND LODGE. ............................................................................................................................. 23 SECTION. 15. REVENUES. ............................................................................................................................................................... 37 SECTION. 16. COMPENSATION. ........................................................................................................................................................ 37 SECTION. 17. SUBORDINATE UNITS. ................................................................................................................................................. 38 ARTICLE II STANDING RULES ............................................................................................................................. 38 SECTION. 18. LAWS OF THE GRAND LODGE AND SUBORDINATE UNITS. ................................................................................................... 39 SECTION. 19. RULES OF ORDER. ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 SECTION. 20. MISCELLANEOUS RULES. .............................................................................................................................................. 45

CHAPTER IV CONSTITUTION OF ODD FELLOW LODGES .......................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I. STRUCTURES AND POWERS ....................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II. TERMS AND MEETINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS AND ELECTION .......................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE V. FEES, DUES AND BENEFITS ........................................................................................................................................ 2 ARTICLE VI. DEGREES .................................................................................................................................................................. 4 ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES ........................................................................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE IX. DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES ....................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE X. RETURNS ................................................................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE XI. FUNDS AND PROPERTY ............................................................................................................................................ 5 ARTICLE XII. OFFENSES AND TRIALS ............................................................................................................................................ 5 ARTICLE XIII. PENALTIES AND APPEALS ....................................................................................................................................... 5

CONTENTS PAGE

ARTICLE XIV. INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT ................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE XV. BY-LAWS ................................................................................................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER V ODD FELLOW LODGES ......................................................................................................................................... 1

SECTION. 1. STRUCTURE AND POWERS. ............................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 2. MEMBERSHIP. ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

CHAPTER VI CHARTER OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION ................................................................................................................................................... 2

CHAPTER VII CONSTITUTION OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II. POWERS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE III. MEMBERS ................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIVES ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE V. OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES ................................................................................................................................ 3 ARTICLE VI. IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE ..................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE VII. SESSIONS ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE VIII. RULES AND PRACTICES ................................................................................................................................................. 4 ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ................................................................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE X. DISTRICT DEPUTY PRESIDENTS .......................................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE XI. REVENUES ................................................................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE XII. LAWS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 ARTICLE XIII. APPEALS TO GRAND LODGE .......................................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE XIV. BY-LAWS .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

CHAPTER VIII REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA ............................................................................................................... 1

SECTION. 1. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT ............................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 2. DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT ........................................................................................................................................ 3 SECTION. 3. DUTIES OF THE WARDEN. ................................................................................................................................................ 4 SECTION. 4. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. .............................................................................................................................................. 4 SECTION. 5. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER. ............................................................................................................................................. 7 SECTION. 6. DUTIES OF THE JUNIOR PAST PRESIDENT. ............................................................................................................................ 7 SECTION. 7. DUTIES OF THE ASSEMBLY DIRECTORS. ............................................................................................................................... 7 SECTION. 8. OTHER DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES. .......................................................................................................................................... 8 SECTION. 9. DUTIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REBEKAH ASSEMBLIES. (I.A.R.A.) .................................. 8 SECTION. 10. REPORTS OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES. ................................................................................................ 8 SECTION. 11. DUTIES OF APPOINTIVE OFFICERS. ................................................................................................................................... 8 SECTION. 12. DISTRICT DEPUTY PRESIDENTS. ....................................................................................................................................... 9 SECTION. 13. ELECTIONS. ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 SECTION. 14. FILLING OF VACANCIES. ............................................................................................................................................... 13 SECTION. 15. COMMITTEES OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY. ..................................................................................................................... 14 SECTION. 16. REVENUES. ............................................................................................................................................................... 19 SECTION. 17. COMPENSATION. ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 SECTION. 18. LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY AND COMPONENT UNITS. ......................................................................... 20 SECTION. 19. MISCELLANEOUS RULES. .............................................................................................................................................. 22

CHAPTER IX CONSTITUTION OF REBEKAH LODGES ................................................................................................................ 1

ARTICLE I. STRUCTURE, POWER AND PURPOSES .................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE II. TERMS AND MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS AND ELECTION ...................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE V. FEES AND DUES ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 ARTICLE VI. REBEKAH DEGREE ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES .............................................................................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE IX. DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES ................................................................................................................................. 4 ARTICLE X. RETURNS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

CONTENTS PAGE

ARTICLE XI. FUNDS AND PROPERTY................................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE XII. OFFENSES AND TRIALS .................................................................................................................................................. 4 ARTICLE XIII. PENALTIES AND APPEALS .............................................................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE XIV. INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT .............................................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE XV. BY-LAWS ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER X REBEKAH LODGES ................................................................................................................................................ 1

SECTION. 1. STRUCTURE AND POWERS. ............................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 2. MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

CHAPTER XI CHARTER OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE ........................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER XII CONSTITUTION OF GRAND JUNIOR LODGE ....................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I. NAME AND JURISDICTION ................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE II. OBJECTS AND PURPOSES ................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE III. POWER AND AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................................ 1 ARTICLE IV. SESSIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE VII. NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND INSTALLATIONS ......................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE II. COMMITTEES. ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE III. REVENUES AND PER-CAPITA TAX ..................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE IV. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE V. APPROVAL, INTERPRETATION, AND AMENDMENT ................................................................................................................ 4

CHAPTER XIII THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE ............................................................................................................................. 1

SECTION. 1. ORGANIZATION .............................................................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER XIV CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR LODGES ................................................................................................................. 1

ARTICLE I. STRUCTURE AND POWERS ................................................................................................................................................ 1 ARTICLE II. OBJECTS AND PURPOSES ................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE III. TERMS AND MEETINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................................................................................................. 2 ARTICLE V. FEES AND DUES ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VII. NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS ............................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF OFFICERS ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE IX. REPORTS AND PER CAPITA TAX ........................................................................................................................................ 3 ARTICLE X. FUNDS AND PROPERTY ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE XI. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES .............................................................................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE XII. INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT ................................................................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE XIII. BY-LAWS .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

CHAPTER XV JUNIOR LODGES ................................................................................................................................................ 1

SECTION. 1. ORGANIZATION. ............................................................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER XVI CHARTER OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................ 1

CHAPTER XVII CONSTITUTION OF THE THETA RHO ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I. NAME AND JURISDICTION ................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE II. OBJECTS AND PURPOSES ................................................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE III. POWER AND AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................................ 1 ARTICLE IV. SESSIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE V. MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES .................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE VII. NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS ............................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE IX. REVENUES AND PER CAPTIA DUES.................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE X. INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT .................................................................................................................................. 4

CONTENTS PAGE

CHAPTER XVIII THETA RHO ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA ......................................................................................................... 1


CHAPTER XIX CONSTITUTION FOR THETA RHO GIRLS' CLUBS ................................................................................................. 1

ARTICLE I. OFFICIAL CREED ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II. AUTHORITY, OBJECTS AND PURPOSES ...................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ARTICLE V. OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE VI. TERMS AND MEETINGS ............................................................................................................................................ 3 ARTICLE VII. FEES AND DUES ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE VIII. REVENUES, RETURNS AND ASSETS ........................................................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE IX. RULES AND PRACTICES ............................................................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS AND INTERPRETATIONS. .................................................................................................................. 6 ARTICLE XI. BY-LAWS .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER XX THETA RHO GIRLS' CLUBS .................................................................................................................................. 1


CHAPTER XXI BY-LAWS FOR THETA RHO ................................................................................................................................ 1

ARTICLE I. NAME ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II. OBJECTS, PURPOSES AND CREED .............................................................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE V. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES .................................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE VI. TERMS, MEETINGS AND QUORUMS ........................................................................................................................ 3 ARTICLE VII. FEES AND DUES ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VIII. FUNDS AND PROPERTY .......................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE VIII. RULES AND PRACTICES .......................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER XXII FUNDS, FEES, INCOME, DUES, ASSESSMENTS, BENEFITS ................................................................................. 1

SECTION. 1. GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 2. FUNDS OF GRAND AND COMPONENT UNITS. ....................................................................................................................... 2 SECTION. 3. SPECIAL TRUST FUNDS. ................................................................................................................................................... 3 SECTION. 4. GRAND LODGE AND REBEKAH ASSEMBLY YOUTH NIGHT FUND ............................................................................................... 7 SECTION. 5. CALIFORNIA ODD FELLOW AND REBEKAH LODGES SURETY BOND FUND. ................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER XXIII PASSWORDS – VISITATION ............................................................................................................................ 1

CHAPTER XXIV HOMES, CAMPS, HOUSING DELETED 2015 ................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

CHAPTER XXV DELETED 2014 ................................................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER XXVI OFFENSES AND TRIALS DELETED 2014 ............................................................................................................ 1

CHAPTER XXVII WORDS AND PHRASES .................................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER XXVIII MISCELLANEOUS .......................................................................................................................................... 1

SECTION. 1. PROGRAMS OF THE GRAND LODGE. ................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 2. AREA COUNCILS. .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION. 3. CEMETERIES. ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 SECTION. 4. SUPPLIES. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 SECTION. 5. PROFICIENCY. ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 SECTION. 6. MINUTES AND RECORDS. ................................................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION. 7. CORPORATION ARTICLES AND BYLAWS. .............................................................................................................................. 5 SECTION. 8. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................................................................................. 5

CHAPTER XXIX CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION ............................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER XXX ZETA LAMBDA TAU CHAPTERS – LAWS GOVERNING DELETED 2015 ................................................................ 1

CONTENTS PAGE

CHAPTER XXXI DOCUMENTATION FORMAT .......................................................................................................................... 1

CHARTER OF THE GRAND LODGE I – 1

CHAPTER I CHARTER OF THE GRAND LODGE FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH

We, the Most Worthy Grand Sire, Right Worthy Deputy Grand Sire, officers and members of the

Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the United States of America and Jurisdiction thereunto belonging:

To all whom it may concern, these come greeting:—

The Grand Lodge of the United States of America, the source of all true and legitimate authority in Odd Fellowship in the United States of America, on the petition of California Lodge No. I; Sacramento Lodge, No. 2; San Francisco Lodge, No. 3; Eureka Lodge, No. 4, and Charity Lodge, No. 6, of the State of California, they having seven Past Grands of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in good standing, hereby grant this dispensation to said Lodges to form a Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the state of California- and the said Grand Lodge being duly formed, is hereby authorized and empowered to grant warrants and dispensations to true and faithful brothers to open Lodges in the said State, according to the laws and usages of Odd Fellowship, and to administer to all Past Grands the privileges and benefits appertaining to a Grand Lodge, and to enact By-Laws for the same; provided always, that the said Grand Lodge be held in the State aforesaid, and that they pay due respect and obedience to the Grand Lodge of the United States, by acting in conjunction therewith and in every manner supporting its Constitution and By-Laws.

In default thereof this dispensation may be suspended or taken away at the decision of the Grand Lodge of the United States; and further, the Grand Lodge of the United States, in consideration of the due performance of the above, do bind themselves to repaid all damages or destruction of the dispensation, whether by fire or other accident; provided sufficient proof be given that there is no illegal concealment or willful destruction of the same. This dispensation to be approved at the next session of the Grand Lodge of the United States; otherwise to be of no force or effect.

In Witness Whereof, we have displayed the colors of our Order, and subscribed our names, and affixed the seal of the Grand Lodge of the United States, this 8th day of March, A.D. 1853. and in the thirty-fourth year of our Order in the United States. Wm. M. Moore, Grand Sire.

I – 2 SEAL OF THE GRAND LODGE

SEAL OF THE GRAND LODGE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION I – 3

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF

GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF

ODD FELLOWS

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this corporation is: GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

This corporation is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under such law. Specifically, this corporation endeavors to elevate the character of mankind through the promotion of universal brotherhood. The purpose of this corporation may be effected through, but not limited to: promoting the ennobling principles and teachings of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; engaging in beneficial and charitable activities; chartering subordinate lodges, clubs and Chapters of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; establishing and maintaining corporations devoted to specific nonprofit mutual benefit and/or nonprofit public benefit purposes; and the bringing of all existing lodges, clubs, Chapters, associations and corporate entities authorized or established by the Grand Lodge under this corporate structure, all in accordance with the Constitution and of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Rituals as provided by the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE III. INITIAL AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS

The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is, MAX HOLLOWAY, 14500 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070.

ARTICLE IV. NAME OF EXISTING ASSOCIATION

The name of the unincorporated association which is being incorporated is GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP

This corporation shall have no capital stock, and the number and qualifications of members of the corporation, the different classes of membership, if any, the property, voting and other rights and privileges of members and their liability to fees, dues, and assessments, and method of collection thereof shall be as set forth in its Constitution and its Bylaws, all in accordance with the Constitution and of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

The directors of this corporation shall provide their services as volunteers and no part of the corporation's income shall inure to the benefit of any director as compensation for services rendered. Ex officio directors may receive compensation for services rendered.

I – 4 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE VI. REVERSIONARY INTEREST

This corporation shall maintain a reversionary interest in all property of every lodge, club, Chapter, association, and corporation which is subordinate to it. Upon dissolution of any subordinate nonprofit corporation whose assets are irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes, this corporation shall designate the qualifying organization or organizations to which the assets shall be distributed.

ARTICLE VII. DISSOLUTION

This corporation shall dissolve whenever its charter is surrendered to, taken away by, or revoked by The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On the dissolution or winding up of the corporation, its assets remaining after payment of, or provision for payment of, all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall pass to The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENT

These Articles of Incorporation may only be amended by the affirmative vote of the working members of the Grand Lodge. The vote required to amend these Articles shall be the same vote required to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE IX. INCORPORATION OF ASSOCIATION

The unincorporated association whose name is set forth in Article IV of these Articles of Incorporation is being incorporated by the filing of these Articles.

CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE II – 1

CHAPTER II CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE

OF THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS

OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA - - - - - - - - -

PREAMBLE The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, possessing original and exclusive

jurisdiction - the source of all true and legitimate authority in Odd Fellowship on the North American Continent did by warrant, bearing date, the eighth day of March, in the thirty-fourth year of our Order, grant authority to certain Past Grands of the Order, residing in the State of California, to form a Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to be known and hailed by the name, style and title of The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, giving and granting to said Past Grands, and their successors, full power and authority to cause all Degrees of the Order, pertaining to the Grand Lodge and its subordinate units, to be conferred on qualified and deserving candidates and members, according to the laws, customs, and ancient usages of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and as the Grand Legislative head of all Degrees subordinate to it in the State of California, to have and to exercise full power and authority to enforce upon said subordinates a strict adherence to the laws of the Order, and to make and establish such rules for their government, as in the opinion of said Grand Lodge, may be for the advancement of the Order, and in conformity to the directions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Therefore, we, the Past Grands, residing within said jurisdiction, do hereby make and declare the following as the Constitution of The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, for the State of California.

ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1. This Grand Lodge shall be known as "The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California".

Sec. 2. The Rituals, Constitution, Laws and Decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows are the laws of this Grand Lodge, and all persons, by becoming or continuing as members of this Grand Lodge, consent and agree to acquaint themselves fully with, and abide by the same.

Sec. 3. Principal Office. The principal office for the transaction of affairs and activities of the Grand Lodge is located in Saratoga, Santa Clara County, California. The Grand Lodge may change the principal office from one location to another, if necessary. Any change shall be noted in the by-laws, and the section amended to state the new location.

Sec. 4. The Objects and Purposes of this Grand Lodge, and of all Odd Fellow Lodges Subordinate to it are:

First: To visit and care for the sick; relieve the distressed; to bury the dead; and to educate the orphan;

Second: To establish and maintain Homes for aged Odd Fellows and their wives or widows, and for aged Sisters of the Rebekah Degree; and Homes for the care, education and support of orphaned or half-orphaned children or grandchildren of Odd Fellows or Rebekahs;

Third: To establish, maintain and administer trusts and endowments for the care and maintenance of aged Odd Fellows their wives or widows and aged Sisters of the Rebekah Degree, and for other charitable entities and enterprises which are dedicated to the ennobling principles of the Order;

II – 2 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE

Fourth: To cultivate and extend the social and fraternal relations of life among Lodges and families of Odd Fellows into the community; and

Fifth: To carry out the ennobling principles of the Order as expressed in its basic law. ARTICLE II.

POWERS Sec. 1. This Grand Lodge, subject to the authority of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent

Order of Odd Fellows, shall issue Charters or Dispensations for the formation of Lodges subordinate to it, and have jurisdiction in Odd Fellowship, over all Odd Fellow Lodges, Degree Lodges, Rebekah Lodges, Junior Lodges, Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, Zeta Lambda Tau Chapters, and duly chartered Grand Bodies thereof, situated in the territory known as the State of California, or any other aforesaid unit working under authority of this Grand Lodge as may be authorized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. This Grand Lodge shall have power and authority to adopt, amend, or rescind from time to time, as it may deem expedient or necessary to carry into effect in this jurisdiction the objects and purposes of this Grand Lodge and this Order, the provisions of this Constitution and the provisions of the Constitutions of any and all units operating under a Charter granted by this Grand Lodge, provided that such action is consistent with, and does not in any way contravene, the Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge or the principles of the Order.

Sec. 3. This Grand Lodge, conforming to Chapter IV – 16, Part B, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws hereby establishes a Grand Jurisdictional Lodge to be known as Gene J. Bianchi Grand Jurisdictional Lodge #4, which will be under the supervision of the Grand Lodge of California. The Grand Master shall serve as Noble Grand, the Grand Treasurer as Treasurer and the Grand Secretary as Secretary.

(1) Membership is automatic for those whose lodge becomes defunct, but are not entitled to pecuniary benefits.

(2) Members are authorized to serve as representatives to Grand Lodge, hold office and serve on committees.

(3) Members may apply for membership in an active lodge at any time. (4) Members under 50 years of age must apply to an active lodge for membership within two (2)

years, if a lodge is located within 25 miles of their residence, unless health problems prohibit their ability to attend lodge.

(5) Dues shall be as established by the Grand Secretary but shall not be less than the Grand Lodge dues plus $3.00.

(6) The Grand Secretary shall keep records of the membership in the Grand Jurisdictional Lodge, make an annual report to the Grand Lodge, and maintain a separate bank account into which all income shall be deposited and from which expenses, including Grand Lodge dues, are paid.

Sec. 4. This Grand Lodge shall have the power and authority to enact, amend or repeal such provisions and laws contained in the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws, and such additional rules, privileges, and benefits, in the manner provided in this Constitution and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws, as it may deem desirable or necessary to regulate the activities of the officers, committees and members of this Grand Lodge and of the units subordinate to it, and in providing for the safety and security of the funds and property of the Grand Lodge and its subordinate units, provided that such action does not in any way contravene this Constitution or the Laws of the Order.

Sec. 5. This Grand Lodge shall approve all additions or amendments to the Constitution (other than Rebekah Assembly of California) and Bylaws of all organizations subordinate to it, before such amendments or additions may become effective.

Sec. 6. The Grand Secretary shall be the contact person for this Grand Lodge. When the Grand Secretary receives a communication during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge session which


requires special action by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, he shall immediately notify both the Grand Master and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the content of the communication.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERS

Sec. 1. All Past Grands who are members in good standing in an Odd Fellow Lodge operating under a Charter granted by this Grand Lodge, shall become members of this Grand Lodge, upon receipt of the Grand Lodge Degree.

Sec. 2. The business of this Grand Lodge shall be transacted by the working members who are: the elected Officers, the elected Representatives, each District Deputy Grand Master and recommended District Deputy Grand Master, the Past Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, and members of the Regular Committees of this Grand Lodge.

Sec. 3. Working members shall have the right to speak on any subject at any session. Past Grand’s who are not working members may speak only after receiving permission granted in the manner specified in the Rules of Order of this Grand Lodge.

Sec. 4. Each working member shall be entitled to one vote on all questions considered by this Grand Lodge. The Grand Master shall cast the deciding vote on any motion if such vote may affect the outcome.

Sec. 5. If a member of this Grand Lodge is a member of an Odd Fellow Lodge that is not in good standing, his/her membership in this Grand Lodge is automatically terminated.

Sec. 6. Each member, in attendance at the annual session shall be entitled to one vote in the selection of each elective Officer, Director, and future convention sites.

ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIVES

Sec. 1. Each Odd Fellow Lodge in good standing operating under a Charter granted by this Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to six Representatives for its members of thirty or under; also one representative for every additional five members up to a maximum of 15 representatives.

Sec. 2. The Grand Jurisdictional Lodge shall be entitled to four Representatives for its members of thirty or under, also two Representatives for every fifteen members over and above said first number of thirty or fraction exceeding ten members in good standing to a maximum of ten Representatives.

(1) Representatives will be selected by submitting a written request to the Grand Lodge Secretary to be considered as a Representative. The written request to be submitted no earlier than March 1st and no later than April 1st.

(2) A date of postmark will be the determining factor if more than the authorized number of members submit request.

(3) The Representatives shall receive no compensation for attending Grand Lodge. Sec. 3. The powers, duties and responsibilities of Representatives areas set forth in The Sovereign

Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand lodge, this Constitution, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Sec. 1. No Brother/Sister, other than a Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to hold an elective or appointed office in Grand Lodge, and be a director that is elected by the Grand Lodge, concurrently.

Sec. 2. The elective officers are: Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and two Grand Representatives.

Sec. 3. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden shall each be elected for a term of one year.


Sec. 4. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall each be elected for a term of one year, except in the case of an incumbent, who shall be elected for a term of five years.

Sec. 5. The Grand Representatives shall each be elected for a term of two years, with one term to expire each year.

Sec. 6. The Grand Lodge shall elect the following Directors who shall not be provided with the Grand Lodge regalia, and are not entitled to receive the Honors of the Order.

(1) Eight Directors, to serve on the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge, each Director to serve a term of four years, with two terms to expire each year. Each candidate seeking election to the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall maintain his primary Odd Fellow Lodge membership in an Odd Fellow Lodge in this jurisdiction and, unless exempted by provisions of this Code of California Laws, shall procure the endorsement of that Lodge prior to having their name placed in nomination. An Odd Fellow Lodge may have no more of one of its members who maintains his/her primary Odd Fellow Lodge membership in said Lodge, serve as an elected member of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors at any time.

(2) The number and qualifications of Odd Fellow Directors on the Board of Directors of the ODD FELLOWS HOME OF CALIFORNIA shall be as stated in the Bylaws of the ODD FELLOWS HOME OF CALIFORNIA, which is found in Chapter XXIV – 8, Article V, Section 5.3, of this Code.

(3) Four Directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow Rebekah Children's Home, at Gilroy; each Director to serve a term of four years, with one term to expire each year.

(4) Four Directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp, Tuolumne County; each director to serve a term of four years, with one term to expire each year.

(5) Three Directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the California Odd Fellows Foundation, at Saratoga; each director to serve a term of three years, with one term to expire each year.

Sec. 7. The appointive officers are: Grand Marshal, Grand Conductor, Grand Chaplain, Grand Guardian, Grand Herald, Grand Color Bearer and Grand Instructor. The Grand Master may, at his option, also appoint a Grand Musician. All officer appointments shall be subject to ratification by the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 8. Installation of officers shall take place prior to adjournment of the annual session; provided however, the Grand Lodge may on a four-fifths vote, install any officer any time after his election or appointment, but the duties of said officer shall not commence until the adjournment of the session.

Sec. 9. The officers of this Grand Lodge may be installed in a Joint Installation Ceremony with the officers of the Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 10. The duties of the officers, directors and directors shall be as required by the charges of office, the Ritual, The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, this Constitution, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

Sec. 11. All State Officers, Directors of all incorporated branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows shall provide for their Officers and Directors a surety bond for personal liability. The Grand Lodge will not assume any expense except for Grand Lodge Officer and Grand Lodge Board of Directors. Proof of the same shall be forwarded to Grand Lodge office within thirty days after the close of each annual session. Failure to comply shall result in sanctions issued by the Grand Master.

ARTICLE VI. IMPEACHMENT

Sec. 1. An officer, director, representative, or member may be impeached or removed from office, suspended or expelled from membership in the Grand Lodge for misconduct. A motion to


impeach requires a majority vote of the working members present for passage. Charges with specifications may be filed with the Grand Secretary at any time, but no action to impeach shall be taken until the accused has received three days prior written notice. A member under impeachment is entitled to a hearing and may present evidence in his own defense, during a fair trial as provided by the laws of the Order. A two-thirds majority vote of the working members present is required for conviction. Punishment shall be determined in accordance with the laws of this Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. When the Grand Master, or officer acting as such, shall be on trial, or whenever a resolution for the impeachment of the Grand Master, or officer acting as such, shall be submitted, the Grand Lodge may direct any Past Grand Master to occupy the Chair, in case the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden disqualify themselves or are otherwise incapacitated.

ARTICLE VII. SESSIONS

Sec. 1. Regular sessions of this Grand Lodge shall be held at a site designated two years in advance by the Members of this Grand Lodge in attendance at the annual session; provided however, upon recommendation of the Convention Committee, a site for the annual session may be designated up to four years in advance, if such action is necessary to reserve adequate facilities at a desired site.. Bids for selection as a convention site shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary, ninety days prior to the annual session at which they are to be considered, and shall be acted upon in the manner specified in the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws. If no acceptable bid for a convention site is received, the site shall be selected by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

Sec. 2. Regular Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. on a Thursday in May of each year for three days and to be opened in the Grand Lodge Degree. The Grand Lodge shall conduct its business in accordance with written Standing Rules. A recess shall be called at the end of each business day until adjourned “Sine Die” on the third day.

Sec. 3. A quorum consisting of Representatives from ten Lodges is required for the transaction of any Grand Lodge Business, except the conferral of the Grand Lodge Degree.

Sec. 4. The Board of Directors shall, during the adjournment of the annual Grand Lodge session, have general authority over the business, financial, and legal affairs of the Grand Lodge, as provided in this Constitution and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws. They shall also have general oversight responsibility relative to all programs approved by the Grand Lodge; and shall administer all Grand Lodge programs not specifically delegated by the Grand Lodge to another Board, officer or committee of this Grand Lodge.

Sec. 5. All decisions of the Grand Master and actions by the Board of Directors shall be subject to approval by the Grand Lodge at the next annual session. An appeal from a decision of the Grand Master, or from an action by the Board of Directors shall be presented to the Grand Lodge in the manner provided by law.

Sec. 6. Special sessions shall be called by the Grand Master, on application by Resolution, under seal of ten Odd Fellow Lodges. Only such business as shall be specified in the Resolution may be transacted at a special session. Such special sessions shall not be held unless all Odd Fellow Lodges have been notified by first class mail of the time, place, and purpose of the special session and representatives from at least ten Lodges and at least three elective officers and two appointive officers of the Grand Lodge are present.

The Grand Master shall also be empowered to schedule special sessions for the sole purpose of conferring the Grand Lodge Degree upon all qualified Past Grands who appear for that purpose.


ARTICLE VIII. RULES AND PRACTICES

Sec. 1. This Grand Lodge may make such Rules of Order as it may deem necessary for the regulation of its sessions and for securing good order and the dispatch of business. Such Rules of Order may be suspended at any meeting by two-thirds vote; provided, that such suspension shall not extend beyond the meeting which voted therefore. In the absence of a specific rule on a point of procedure enacted by this Grand Lodge, the most recent edition of "Robert's Rules of Order" shall prevail.

ARTICLE IX. GRAND LODGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

See Chapter III Sec. 7 ARTICLE X.

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS Sec. 1. The Grand Master shall, at the installation of the Grand Lodge Officers; or as soon as possible

thereafter, appoint qualified members of the Grand Lodge to serve as District Deputy Grand Master in each of the several Lodge Districts in this Jurisdiction. Additional qualifications for, and duties of the District Deputy Grand Masters shall be as specified in the Ritual, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

ARTICLE XI. REVENUES

Sec. 1. Revenues of this Grand Lodge shall be raised from charter fees, dues, assessments adopted in regular session, profit from the sale of supplies, investment income, donations, devises and bequests, and income from any lawful source. Such revenues shall be used for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses of the Grand Lodge and the necessary expense of support of elderly Odd Fellows, their wives, widows, and orphans, and elderly unmarried Sisters of the Rebekah Degree, whenever they shall be in residence and supported at an Odd Fellows' Home founded and maintained under the auspices, authorization, or permission of this Grand Lodge, and for the expense of furnishing and maintaining such Homes.

ARTICLE XII. APPEALS TO THE SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE

Sec. 1. When an appeal is taken from the action or decision of this Grand Lodge to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the party appealing desires facts to be considered as part of the appeal, said party shall, within twenty days after the adjournment of the session, prepare and file with the Grand Secretary, a statement of such facts involved in the appeal as he may deem material; whereupon the Grand Secretary shall deliver or transmit to the adverse party, such statement; if the adverse party does not accept the same, he shall, within twenty days prepare objections or amendments to the same, specifying the lines and pages covered by such objections or amendments. The statement, with objections and amendments proposed, shall be delivered or transmitted to the Grand Secretary. If the objections or amendments are not accepted within ten days by the appellant, the Grand Master shall fix a place and time to settle the statement, and the Grand Secretary shall notify both parties. At the place and time appointed, the Grand Master shall examine the proposed statement and amendments or objections, and hear the arguments of both parties, if any, and shall settle such statements and amendments or objections. When the statement is settled, unless the party appealing is present at the time, he shall be notified, and within twenty days thereafter shall engross and file the statement as settled with the Grand Secretary. The statement, after being printed, shall thereupon be certified by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, attested with the seal of the Grand Lodge, and transmitted to the Sovereign Grand Secretary.


ARTICLE XIII. LAWS

Sec. 1. No portion of this Constitution, the Laws or Rules of this Grand Lodge, or of the Constitution or By-Laws of any unit subordinate to it may be stayed, suspended or annulled except by action of this Grand Lodge, as provided by law, or by action of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS

Sec. 1. This Constitution may be amended by submitting a bill containing the proposed amendment, in the form required by the laws of the Grand Lodge, at least sixty days prior to the regular annual session, when such bill may be acted upon; and if the bill as amended receives the affirmative vote of two thirds of the working members present, it shall be adopted; provided however, if an emergency exists, this Grand Lodge may by the affirmative vote of three fourths of the working members present, adopt an amendment presented at the session after it is printed and has laid over for at least one day.

Sec. 2. All requirements for submitting bills, resolutions, reference, report and action shall be as set forth in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, this Constitution, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

Sec. 3. All laws shall be enacted by bills which shall be prefaced with a title, followed by the phrase "Be It Enacted By The Grand Lodge Of California:". The bill shall reference the Article and/or Chapter, the Section, and if applicable, the Section(s) and/or Paragraph(s) of this Code of California Odd Fellow Laws to be enacted, amended or repealed.

Sec. 4. Regular bills proposing additions or amendments to the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws shall be submitted in the manner specified in the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws prior to the deadline for submitting bills and shall require a two-thirds majority for passage. Upon passage, such laws shall become effective on the first day of January, following enactment or at such time thereafter as may be specified in the bill. Emergency bills proposing additions or amendments to the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws shall be submitted, in the manner specified in the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws for emergency bills, at any time and may be considered after being printed and having laid over one day. Such bills shall require a three-fourths majority for passage and if adopted shall become effective upon enactment.

Sec. 5. Amendments to this Constitution which require a two-thirds majority for passage shall become effective, subject to approval by the Sovereign Grand Warden and/or The Sovereign Grand Lodge, on January 1, following adoption, or at such time thereafter as shall be specified in the amendment. Amendments to this Constitution which require a three-fourth majority for passage shall become effective upon approval by the Sovereign Grand Warden or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

THE GRAND LODGE III – 1

CHAPTER III GRAND LODGE BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES

ARTICLE I BYLAWS

Sec. 1. Duties of the Grand Master.

A. Authority and Responsibility. (1) Authority. The Grand Master shall:

(a) have authority over the ceremonial and ritualistic affairs of the Order; this authority extends to all units operating under charter granted by the Grand Lodge, unless specifically restricted by this Code, or the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge;

(b) direct the activities of the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, appointive officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, and special deputies; and

(c) exercise such other authority as may be granted him by the Grand Lodge, the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, and this Code.

(2) Responsibility. The Grand Master and his appointive officers, in addition to the duties specified in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, and this Code, shall promote the programs adopted by the Grand Lodge

B. Committee Appointments. (1) Shall Appoint Committees. The Grand Master-elect, prior to the close of the annual Grand

Lodge session, shall appoint: (a) all permanent committees specified in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this Section; (b) all special committees authorized during the session, in the numbers specified in the

resolution; and (c) such additional special committees as he may deem necessary and appropriate. Unless

otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or this Code, the first person named shall be chairman (director or coordinator), and the second person named shall be vice-chairman (vice-director or vice- coordinator).

(d) all committees, which have been assigned Bills, Resolutions, Petitions and/or Recommendations or are presenting one for consideration shall during the Grand Lodge Sessions, conduct an open meeting on the issue before their report on the matter to the Grand Body. The day and time to be announced before completion of the day's business session with an effort to have the person proposing the legislation present.

(2) Grand Lodge Sessional Committees. The following Grand Lodge Sessional Committees shall be appointed by the Grand Master-elect to perform the duties specified in Chapter III – 22, Section 14 (C), of this Code, and as may be directed by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, other provisions, of this Code, the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master: (A) Assignment (B) Credentials (C) Examination of District Deputy Grand Masters (D) Finance (E) Judiciary (F) Legislation (G) Printing (H) Rebekah Legislation (I) State of the Order

III – 2 THE GRAND LODGE

Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or this Code, persons appointed to Grand Lodge Sessional Committees shall be Representatives to Grand Lodge and in attendance at the session when appointed.

(3) Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committees. The following Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committees shall be appointed by the Grand Master-elect, to perform the duties specified in Chapter III – 26, Section 14 (D), of this Code, and as may be directed by other provisions, of this Code, the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master: (A) Historical (B) Lodges By-laws Review

Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or this Code, persons appointed to Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committees shall be members of the Grand Lodge at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee.

(4) Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees. The Grand Master elect shall make appointments to the following Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees, for such terms and to perform such duties as specified in Chapter III – 28, Section 14 (E), of this Code, and as may be directed by other provisions, of this Code, the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master: (A) Arthritis Program (B) California Visual Research Foundation (C) Convention (D) Disaster (E) Good Fellowship (F) Grand Lodge Auditing Committee (G) Grand Lodge Youth (H) Odd Fellow and Rebekah Youth Education and United Nations Tour (I) Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Committee

Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or this Code, persons appointed to Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees: (a) representing the Grand Lodge shall be appointed by the Grand Master-elect and shall be

members of the Grand Lodge at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee; and

(b) representing the Rebekah Assembly shall be appointed by the Grand Master-elect or the Rebekah Assembly President-elect, as specified in Chapter III – 28, Section 14 (E), of this Code, and shall be Rebekah sisters holding membership in the Rebekah Assembly at the time of their appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee.

(5) Sessional Appointments. (a) At the beginning of the annual Grand Lodge session the Grand Master shall make

necessary appointments from the representatives present, to fill vacancies on Sessional Committees.

(b) He shall also appoint from the members present, the following in-session committees in such numbers as he may deem appropriate:

(i) Courtesy (ii) Distribution (iii) Parliamentarian (iv) Rebekah Assembly Liaison


(c) He may also appoint members to assist the Officers of the Grand Lodge during the session and such other in session committees as he deems necessary.

(6) Approval By Grand Lodge. (a) All committee appointments made during the session shall be subject to approval by the

Grand Lodge. (b) All committee appointments made by the Grand Master after adjournment of the Grand

Lodge session shall be made with the advice of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (7) Removal From Committee.

(a) The Grand Master shall remove from a committee any member who willfully fails to perform his/her assigned duties.

(b) The Grand Master may remove or replace any permanent committee chairman (director or coordinator) who fails to submit, in a timely manner, any required program outline or interim report(s) specified in Chapter III – 22, Section 14 (C), (D) or (E), of this Code.

(c) The Grand Master shall remove the chairman of any special committee who fails to: (i) call a committee meeting within 60 days after the committee has been named; or (ii) submit any required interim report(s) specified in Chapter III – 35, Section 14 (F), of

this Code. (d) The Grand Master-elect shall replace any permanent committee chairman (director or

coordinator) who fails to submit a required final report. C. At Sessions.

(1) Chair Session. The Grand Master shall: (a) preside at all sessions of the Grand Lodge; preserve order, and enforce the laws of the

Grand Lodge, or cause the same to be done during his temporary absence; (b) cast the deciding vote on all bills, resolutions, and motions where his vote may affect the

outcome; (c) in conformity with the provisions of this Code, appoint qualified members to fill vacancies

in office or to serve on committees for the remainder of the term; and (d) put all questions before the Grand Lodge and declare the results.

D. General Powers and Duties. (1) Supervisory Powers. The Grand Master shall have general supervision over the ritualistic

and ceremonial affairs of the Grand Lodge, and require members to conform to the laws and customs of the Order.

(2) Grant Dispensations. The Grand Master may grant dispensations to: (a) institute new lodges, with the advice of the Board of Directors, and to authorize them to

work under dispensation until the next regular session of the Grand Lodge. (b) allow lodges to hold public installations or joint public installations of officers at any

suitable location within this jurisdiction on any day of the week; (c) authorize the installation of Third Degree members as Vice Grand or Noble Grand who do

not have previous service in the required number of offices; provided all qualified brothers decline to serve;

(d) allow members of the Order to appear in public in regalia; (e) authorize pilgrimages to the Homes and Camps of the Order on any day of the week; (f) sponsor or give entertainment in the name of, and for the benefit of the Order; (g) hold open gatherings for members, their families and guests on any day of the week; (h) allow lodges to organize and/or sponsor groups or teams to participate in worthy activities,

while using the name of the lodge or the Order; (i) allow lodges to apply to other lodges in this jurisdiction for assistance; (j) allow Odd Fellow Lodges to hold meetings in places other than their regular meeting


place, as fixed in their by-laws; and (k) upon concurrence by the Board of Directors, allow a former member of the Order to apply

for reinstatement after expulsion. (3) Relative to Rebekahs. He shall possess all powers and authority relative to Rebekah Lodges

that he possesses in regard to Odd Fellow Lodges. (4) Visitations. The Grand Master shall visit all Lodges in the State of California on a rotating

basis of every three years or reassign same to the Deputy Grand Master or the Grand Warden. The number of visits assigned shall not exceed ten for Deputy Grand Master and or ten for the Grand Warden. No Lodge may be assigned visits by other than the Grand Master on consecutive schedules.

(5) Weak Lodges. He shall confer with the Board of Directors relative to actions to be taken to revitalize weak Lodges, and may when requested by the Board of Directors, assign to certain past Grand Masters, weak lodges in need of help. The assigned Past Grand Master(s) shall work with the lodges as specified in Chapter IV – 2, Section 5, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and Chapter V – 8, Section 1, of this Code. The Grand Master may recommend to the Board of Directors other members to assist in this work.

(6) Assistants to the Grand Instructor. He shall appoint four Assistants to the Grand Instructor: One each, for Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, in the North; Areas 4, 6, 7, 9, North Central; Areas 8, 10, 11, 12, Central; and Areas 13, 14, 15, in the South, to perform the duties as specified in Chapter III – 16, Section 10 (C), of this Code.

(7) Instructions. He shall give instructions in the work of the Order, to the District Deputy Grand Masters and/or lodges as may be necessary.

(8) Decide Appeals on Decisions. He shall decide all appeals on questions of law which may be made from the decisions of his District Deputy Grand Masters.

(9) Act on Complaints. He shall receive and act on all complaints in proper form which may be made to him against the actions of a lodge or any of his District Deputy Grand Masters. He shall inform the Board of Directors of complaints and his proposed response to same in a timely manner.

(10) Loss of Charter. Upon proper notification of the loss or destruction of a charter belonging to a lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, he shall, with the assistance of the· Grand Secretary, issue at once, a dispensation to the members of said lodge, authorizing them to legally operate until the next regular session of the Grand Lodge.

(11) Certificate of Dedication. He shall issue a Certificate of Dedication to every lodge for which he dedicates a Temple; noting the lodge name, date of dedication, and the names of the participating officers.

(12) District Deputy Reports. He may include in his report to the Grand Lodge, so much of the reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters as he may deem of importance to the Order.

(13) Decisions of Assembly President. He shall review the decisions of the President of the Rebekah Assembly and shall embody his decision thereon in his annual report.

(14) The Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California. He shall be a member of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California and perform the duties specified in Chapter XXXI – 1, Section 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code. He shall obtain approval from the Grand Lodge before obligating the Grand Lodge to participate in any jurisdictional program which may require expenditures of funds belonging to the Grand Lodge, or before obligating the Grand Lodge to a course of action of a financial or moral nature, either directly or indirectly.

(15) Attend Board Meetings. He shall attend the regular meetings of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.


(16) The California Visual Research Foundation. He shall be an Ex-officio member of this committee with voice and vote.

(17) Itinerary. He may include in his itinerary, only those receptions or testimonials honoring the elected heads of the various branches of the Order in California; any receptions or testimonials honoring the appointed officers of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly of California; any reception or testimonial honoring officers of International Grand Bodies who are residents of California; or any publicized social function in honor of the leaders of International Grand Bodies when in California on official business or present pursuant to an invitation duly approved by the Grand Lodge. No itinerary shall be arranged or printed for the purpose of circumventing this requirement.

(18) Consolidations. He shall seek the advice of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors before acting on any petitions for consolidation of Odd Fellow Lodges.

(19) Other Duties. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Grand Lodge, or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Section. 2. Duties of the Deputy Grand Master. A. Generally.

(1) Support Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master shall support the Grand Master in presiding, and in the absence of the Grand Master, he shall occupy the Chair.

(2) Assume Office of Grand Master. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall become the Grand Master for the remainder of the term, and receive the honors of the office of Grand Master.

(3) Visitations. He shall make, during his term, official visitations to Odd Fellow Lodges as directed by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. The number of required official visitations shall be twenty, however, this does not preclude him from making more, if he so desires.

(4) Instructions. He shall give instructions in the laws, customs, purposes and programs of the Order.

(5) Founding of the Order. He shall have general discretion over a fitting observance of the founding of the Order.

(6) Attend Meetings. The Deputy Grand Master shall during his/her term, attend the regular meetings of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, and at least one meeting each of the several Board of Directors, namely The Odd Fellows Home of California Board, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Board, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Board and The California Odd Fellows Foundation Board. Such visits may be included in the twenty required official visits specified in paragraph (3). above.

(7) Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board. He shall be a member and shall attend the meetings of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California.

(8) Long Range Planning. He shall be a member and attend the meetings of the Long Range Planning Committee.

(9) California Visual Research Foundation. He shall be an Ex-officio member of this committee with voice and vote.

(10) Promote Programs. He shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, promote the programs adopted by the Grand Lodge.

(11) Other Duties. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.

Section. 3. Duties of the Grand Warden A. Generally.

(1) Assist Grand Master. The Grand Warden shall assist the Grand Master in conducting the business of the Grand Lodge while in session. He shall, under the direction of the Grand


Master, have special charge of the door; and in the absence of both the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, he shall preside.

(2) Instructions. He shall qualify himself to give instructions in the laws, customs, purposes and programs of the Order.

(3) Visitations. He shall make, during his term, official visitations to Odd Fellow Lodges as directed by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. The number of required official visitations shall be twenty, however, this does not preclude him from making more, if he so desires.

(4) Attend Meeting. The Grand Warden shall during his/her term, attend the regular meetings of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors and at least one meeting each of the several Board of Directors, namely The Odd Fellows Home of California Board, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Board, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Board, and The California Odd Fellows Foundation. Board. Such visits may be included in the twenty required official visits specified in paragraph (3) above.

(5) Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board. He shall be a member and shall attend the meetings of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California. He shall submit a written report to the Grand Lodge at each Grand Lodge session, stating the activities of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board, and submit legislation and/or resolution requested by said Board.

(6) Long range Planning. He shall be a member and attend the meetings of the Long Range Planning Committee.

(7) California Visual Research Foundation. He shall be an Ex-officio member of this committee with voice and vote.

(8) Review Reports. He shall review the semi-annual Reports of all Odd Fellow and Junior Lodges of this jurisdiction; report to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Board of Directors those who are delinquent or in apparent difficulty, and include his findings in his report to the Grand Lodge.

(9) Appoint Committee Members. He shall appoint five (5) members of the Grand Lodge to the Long Range Planning Committee for a term of three (3) years. He shall submit to the Grand Master-elect and the Grand Secretary the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the committee members, as soon as possible, but no later than 10 AM on Thursday of the Grand Lodge session.

(10) Promote Programs. He shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, promote the programs adopted by the Grand Lodge.

(11) Other Duties. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.

Section. 4. Duties of the Grand Secretary. A. Generally.

(1) Duties Generally. He/she shall maintain an office in the Grand Lodge headquarters as established by the Grand Lodge, and under the general direction of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, manage the day-to-day business operations of the Grand Lodge, execute the policies of the Grand Lodge, and perform the duties specified in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, this Code, and The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(2) Qualifications. Each candidate for the office of Grand Secretary shall be a member in good standing of the Grand Lodge and a member of a Rebekah Lodge in this jurisdiction. In addition, each candidate should have office administrative and management experience, a knowledge of the structure and operation of the Grand Lodge and its associated units, a knowledge of contemporary office practices, bookkeeping and records management. Each candidate for Grand Secretary shall submit to the Grand Secretary, no later than April 1st,


preceding the election, a statement of qualifications as specified in Chapter III – 19, Section 12 (B), of this Code.

(3) Shall be Employee. The Grand Secretary shall be a salaried employee of the Grand Lodge. (4) Employ Staff. When authorized by the Grand Lodge, he/she may, under the following

conditions, employ additional staff, to serve at the Secretary's pleasure: (a) when a new position has been authorized by the Grand Lodge or a permanent staff position

becomes vacant, or is about to become vacant, he/she shall inform the Board of Directors and if the Board deems it necessary to fill the vacant position, he/she shall notify all Odd Fellow Lodges of such vacancy. The notification shall include the job description, minimum qualifications, starting salary, or salary range, and deadline for applications;

(b) the Secretary may, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors, also inform Rebekah Lodges of such vacancy in the manner specified in subparagraph (a) above;

(c) the final selection shall be conditional on approval by the Board of Directors; and (d) male/female personnel shall be a Past Grand member in good standing in both an Odd

Fellows Lodge and a Rebekah Lodge in this jurisdiction at the time of employment. Female personnel shall be a Past Noble Grand in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge in this jurisdiction at the time of employment. Provided however, if an adequately qualified Past Grand or Past Noble Grand does not apply, the Grand Secretary may consider any other applicant possessing the requisite job skills.

(5) At the Session. He shall attend all sessions of the Grand Lodge and at the session shall call the roll, read the minutes and communications, and make a true record of the proceedings.

(6) Compile Journal. As soon as practicable after the close of the annual Grand Lodge session, the Grand Secretary shall compile a Journal of Proceedings of the session and disseminate it to all Odd Fellow lodges, to each District Deputy Grand Master for the District kit, to each Grand Lodge elected Board Director and emeritus, to each elected and appointed officer of the session, and each Past Grand Master, one Journal each.

(7) Fiscal Duties. He shall: (a) keep the accounts between the Grand Lodge and its subordinate units; (b) receive all monies coming to the Grand Lodge office, noting the source, amount and

purpose thereof; (c) deposit into the Grand Lodge account all monies in his hands not less than weekly; (d) deliver to the Grand Treasurer the deposit receipts therefore; (e) draw checks to be countersigned by the Grand Treasurer for the lawful disbursement of

funds; all checks drawn on Grand Lodge accounts shall be imprinted with the seal of the Grand Lodge;

(f) close his/her accounts on June 30, annually and submit them for examination, along with any funds, records of deposit and/or securities in his possession, to the independent auditor, or the Committee on Finance if so directed by the Grand Lodge or the Board of Directors; then for the annual Grand Lodge Session report the end of fiscal year and all actions from July 1 through March 31 of the current year; and

(g) assist the Grand Treasurer in preparation of the annual financial report to Grand Lodge as required of that officer.

(8) Secure Insurance. He/She shall prepare, and submit to at least five insurance agencies, a request for bids for insurance to protect the Grand Lodge against liability and to protect all property in which the Grand Lodge has a direct interest. He shall, with the approval of the Board of Directors, purchase same to the best advantage of the Grand Lodge.

(9) Serve on Boards. The Grand Secretary, or his/her designee approved by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, shall serve as Secretary on the Boards of Directors of The Odd Fellows


Home of California and the California Odd Fellows Foundation; and perform the duties specified in Chapter XXII - 1, Section 3(A), Chapter XXIV – 7, Article V, Section 5.2, and Chapter XXIV – 12, Article VI, Section 6.2, of this Code.

(10) Serve on Committees. He shall serve as secretary on the Board committee on investments and endowments, and on such other committees specified in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, this Code, or as directed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(11) Additional Duties. In addition to the duties specified above, the Grand Secretary shall also: (a) procure at the expense of the Grand Lodge, unless otherwise provided, a suitable room or

rooms, and furnish same appropriately, for the legitimate business of the Order during the annual session; this shall include, accommodations for the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, and the necessary clerical staff.

(b) on, or before April 5, of each year, mail a copy of all bills proposing amendments to the Constitution or laws of the Grand Lodge, the Constitution or laws of Odd Fellow Lodges and unfinished business lying over from the preceding annual session, to each Odd Fellow Lodge;

(c) present, apart from his annual report, all unfinished business lying over from the preceding annual session;

(d) issue all necessary notices and circulars to Odd Fellow Lodges, representatives and officers;

(e) provide all stationery for the use of the Grand Lodge and superintend such printing as the Grand Lodge or Board of Directors shall direct;

(f) maintain an inventory of supplies which may be purchased by lodges and members in this jurisdiction;

(g) prepare a catalog and price list of all supplies available through the Grand Lodge, and transmit a copy to all Odd Fellow Lodges, Junior Lodges, and the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly;

(h) furnish supplies to lodges and members ordering same, under the conditions and in the manner specified in Chapter XXXIII – 3, Section 4, of this Code;

(i) inform Odd Fellow Lodges of the contents of official communications from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, within thirty days of receipt;

(j) furnish to the Committees on, Assignment, Finance, Judiciary, Lodges-By-laws Review, Legislation, Rebekah Legislation, and State of the Order, one copy each, of the current Sovereign Grand Lodge Journal of Proceedings, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, current Journal of the Grand Lodge, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws; and he shall arrange for their safe. keeping during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge;

(k) on receipt of the required number of copies of proposed by-laws. or amendments thereof, properly certified and under seal of an Odd Fellow Lodge, forthwith submit same to the Committee on Lodges-By-laws Review; he shall also, without delay, return a copy of the by-laws, together with the committee's report thereon to the Odd Fellow Lodge;

(l) forward all appeals, petitions, bills, resolutions, reports and other communications that may be addressed to the committees of the Grand Lodge, and from the committees to other committees, lodges or individuals as necessary to facilitate the work of the committees.

(m) send all appeals from the action of the Grand Lodge to the Sovereign Grand Lodge as provided by law;

(n) attest proclamations of the Grand Master and communications for general distribution from the Grand Master and the Board of Directors, or other boards of directors as may be approved for distribution by the Grand Master;


(o) send blank reporting forms, in duplicate, to each Odd Fellow Lodge and Junior Lodge, the original of which shall be returned to him when completed and by the date set by the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Lodge. A fine will be imposed if reports are not returned by the date required. (The reporting forms can include Semi-Annual reports, Per Capita Dues, Annual Financial reports, Membership list, and other annual forms that are for updating records.) A Lodge will be assessed not less than one dollar ($1.00) per member, if their reports are not received and are correct by the date set.

(p) place at the end of the Journal, a roster of Odd Fellow Lodges, with their mailing address, meeting place, meeting nights, and the membership reported on their most recent semi-annual report;

(q) place at the end of the Grand Lodge Journal, a roster of Junior Lodges, with their mailing address, meeting place, meeting nights, name of their advisor, and the name of the sponsoring Odd Fellow Lodge(s);

(r) issue such cards, certificates or other documents as may be required by the laws of the Order, the Sovereign Grand Lodge, or the Grand Lodge;

(s) maintain a record of all Temple Dedications and prepare a Certificate of Dedication for presentation by the Grand Master;

(t) be authorized, subject to approval and direction by the Board of Directors, to spend a few weeks of the year in other parts of the jurisdiction, as his/her duties may require; and

(u) forward the name, address and phone number of the Jurisdictional Chairman of the Membership Communications Committee to the Sovereign Grand Secretary within thirty (30) days following the close of the Annual Grand Lodge session, each year.

(v) notify all Lodges no later than February 1st each year as to which nominations will be called for during the first day's Grand Lodge Order of Business as follows:

(i) all elective officers of Grand Lodge (ii) all directors where used (iii) all directors where used

(12) May Attend Sovereign Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary may attend the sessions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and the meetings of the Grand Secretary's Association. He/She may be allowed from the general fund of the Grand Lodge, for his/her legitimate expenses, a sum equal to mileage and per diem paid Grand Representatives of this jurisdiction, by the Sovereign Grand Lodge is such funds have been included in the current budget approved by the Grand Lodge.

Section. 5. Duties of the Grand Treasurer. A. Generally.

(1) Duties Generally. The Grand Treasurer shall be the financial officer for the Grand Lodge, and shall perform the duties specified in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, this Code, and such additional duties as directed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(2) Qualifications. The Grand Treasurer shall have knowledge and experience in the area of accounting, management of securities for investment purposes, and management of trust fund assets. Each candidate for Grand Treasurer shall submit to the Grand Secretary, no later than April 1, preceding the election, a statement of qualifications as specified in Chapter III – 19, Section 12 (B), of this Code.

(3) Employee. The Grand Treasurer may be an employee of the Grand Lodge, however, and be entitled to compensation and reimbursement for legitimate expenses incurred in the performance of duties. The compensation and reimbursement shall not exceed the amount designated, for such expense, in the current budget approved by the Grand Lodge at the most recent annual session.


(4) Hold in Trust. (a) The Grand Treasurer shall hold in trust, in a repository specified by the Grand Lodge

Board of Directors, for the benefit of the Grand Lodge such funds, stocks, bonds, securities, certificates, deeds, investments and other property, as the Board of Directors or the Grand Lodge may place in the Grand Treasurer's custody and control.

(b) Shall deposit, sell, transfer, or exchange the same, or any part thereof, only as the Grand Lodge or the Board of Directors shall direct.

(c) The sale or transfer of any assets or investments shall require the signature of three members of the Board of Directors committee on investments and endowments.

(d) All safe deposit boxes used to hold Grand Lodge securities or other Grand Lodge property shall be maintained in the name of the Grand Lodge. Access to all safe deposit boxes maintained in the name of the Grand Lodge shall require the presence of two members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors committee on investments and endowments.

(5) Maintain Inventory. Shall, with the assistance of the Grand Secretary, maintain an up-to-date inventory of the assets and long-term liabilities of the Grand Lodge.

(6) Establish Accounts. He shall establish such number of financial accounts in the name of the Grand Lodge as the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall direct. All such accounts shall be maintained in federally insured national banks and/or federally insured savings and loan associations specified by the Grand Lodge or the Board of Directors.

(7) Receive Monies. He shall receive all monies, or proof of deposit for monies paid to the Grand Secretary, giving his receipt therefore. He shall immediately deposit any Grand Lodge monies coming into his possession in the appropriate Grand Lodge account.

(8) Disburse Funds. He shall countersign all checks drawn on Grand Lodge accounts to pay claims for goods and services which have been properly approved for payment by the Committee on Finance, and, when so required, by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(9) Maintain Accounts. (a) He shall keep his accounts in such a manner as will exhibit the source, purpose and amount

of all receipts, and the purpose, amount and recipient of all disbursements. (b) Upon receipt of a financial statement he shall immediately reconcile his accounts. (c) Within three weeks after the end of each month he shall furnish to the Committee on

Finance, the Grand Secretary and the chairman of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, an accounting of all monies received and disbursed during the month and a copy of the statement(s) from the financial institution(s) showing the amount of funds in the Grand Lodge account(s). Copies of these reports shall be available to the full Board of Directors, at their regular meetings.

(10) Report Financial Condition. He shall close his accounts on June 30, annually and submit them for examination, along with all funds, records of deposit and securities in his custody, to the independent auditor, or the Committee on Finance if so directed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. He shall include in his report to the Grand Lodge the receipts and disbursements of the previous year and the financial condition of the Grand Lodge as it stood at the end of the fiscal year. The report to the Grand Lodge shall include all receipts and disbursements with budget status from July 1 through March 31 of the current year.

(11) Serve on Boards and Committees. The Grand Treasurer shall serve as Treasurer on the Boards of Directors of The Odd Fellows Home of California and the California Odd Fellows Foundation, and perform the duties specified in Chapter XXII – 3, Section 3(A), Chapter XXIV – 7, Article V, Section 5.2, and Chapter XXIV – 12, Article VI, Section 6.2, of this Code. The Grand Treasurer shall also serve in a fiduciary capacity on such


other boards and/or committees as the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall direct.

Section. 6. Duties of the Grand Representatives.

A. Generally. (1) As specified by The Sovereign Grand Lodge. The major duties of the two Grand

Representatives shall be as specified in the Constitution of The Sovereign Grand Lodge and The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(2) Reports. The Grand Representatives, in addition to the report to the Grand Lodge as required by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, shall also report to the Rebekah Assembly on legislation and matters pertaining to the Rebekah and Theta Rho members.

(3) The Senior Grand Lodge Grand Representative (in length of service as a Grand Representative) shall be responsible for submitting legislation to amend the Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws to conform to legislation adopted at the last session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(4) The Grand Representatives, elected by Grand Lodge, who represent the California Grand Body before the Sovereign Grand Lodge, also have voice and vote on the California Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

Section. 7. Duties of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. A. Reference.

(1) Reference. The Grand Lodge Board of Directors (in this Section, hereafter referred to as the "Board") shall organize and operate as the executive committee of the Grand Lodge specified in Chapter IV – 3, Part A, Article VI, Section 1 (3), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

B. Grand Lodge Board. There shall be a Board of Directors of this Grand Lodge, consisting, of eight (8) elected members, and the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer with full voice and vote. The Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, and Jr. Past Grand Master shall be ex-officio members with voice and vote and shall be entitled to sit in all open and closed sessions of the Board, without exception. The Grand Representatives shall be ex-officio members with voice and vote and shall be entitled to sit in all open and closed sessions of the Board, without exception. The Board of Directors of the Odd Fellows Home, the Board of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp and the Odd Fellows Foundation Board of Directors may each select one of their own members, who are elected by this Grand Lodge, to represent that Board as an associate member of the Board as an associate member of the Board of Directors with voice, but no vote except as specified in this Constitution of the Grand Lodge and Chapter III – 1, of this Code.

C. The Grand Master shall have general authority over the ritualistic and ceremonial affairs of the Grand Lodge and the units of the Order under the authority of the Grand Lodge, as provided in this Constitution, and the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws. The Grand Master shall also represent the Grand Lodge and Order in public forums, and actively participate in the education of our members and the general public relative to the purposes, programs and objects of Odd Fellowship.

D. The Board of Directors shall, during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge session, direct the Grand Lodge's business and financial operations pursuant to general policies which have been duly adopted by the Grand Lodge. The Board of Directors shall also be responsible for the development and presentation, to the Grand Lodge, of a long range enhancement program designed to expand the Order in this jurisdiction. The Board shall implement and direct such enhancement program as approved by the Grand Lodge.


E. The Board of Directors shall annually select a chairman who shall preside at Board meetings, and a vice-chairman who shall preside in the absence of the chairman. The chairman and the vice-chairman shall be elected Board members. The Grand Secretary shall be the secretary of the Board of Directors and shall record the minutes of each Board of Directors meeting.

F. The Board of Directors shall hold regular stated meetings not less than quarterly. The Board chairman or any five elected members of the Board may call a special Board meeting. All members of the Board shall be notified of the place, time and purpose of any special meeting. The presence of five elected Board members shall be required for the transaction of business at any regular or special Board of Directors meeting. All meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to any member that has attained the third degree of Odd Fellowship, provided however, and the Board of Directors may meet in closed session to discuss and act on matters involving personnel, litigation which involves the Grand Lodge, and sensitive matters which could potentially involve the Grand Lodge in litigation. Past Grands attending a Board of Directors meeting shall have no vote, and may speak only if a majority of the Board members present, approve.

G. Any action by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of its voting members present. A majority vote by the members of a duly appointed committee of the Board shall be required to approve actions falling within the committee’s purview. The actions of each Board committee shall be subject to review by the entire Board.

H. An elected member of the Board of Directors may be removed from the Board after two (2) consecutive un-excused absences, or three (3) consecutive absences at regular meetings within twelve consecutive months. Personal illness or a death in the immediate family shall constitute an excused absence. A member of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors may only be removed from· the Board by the Grand ·Lodge when meeting in regular session, or in a special session called for the purpose, upon two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the working members present. The Board may petition the Grand Body to remove a Director for unexcused absences when five (5) members vote to do so, or when six (6) vote to do so for excused absences. Votes for such petition shall only be taken at a regular board meeting.

I. Qualifications. (1) Qualifications. Each candidate for the office of Grand Lodge Director shall maintain his/her

primary Odd Fellow Lodge membership in an Odd Fellow Lodge in this jurisdiction and shall be a member of the Grand Lodge. Candidates should be proven leaders and should exhibit by personal example an enthusiastic willingness to work at all times for the best interest of the Order. Each candidate should also be a successful manager, whose management expertise includes organizational planning, programs development, and programs implementation, execution and oversight. No candidate for the office of Grand Lodge Director, who holds another elected office in the Grand Lodge, shall be allowed to serve on the Grand Lodge Board of Directors if such candidate holds an office where he or she already has voice and vote on the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. Each nominee for said office shall comply to Chapter III – 19, Section 12 (B), of this Code, in order to be an eligible candidate.

J. Organization. (1) Not Employees. Members of the Board of Directors, with exception of the Grand Secretary

and a designated Assistant and the Grand Treasurer, may be employees of the Grand Lodge. However, they may be entitled to reimbursement allowed shall not exceed the amount designated for such expense, in the current budget approved by the Grand Lodge at the most recent annual session.

(2) Establish Committee. The Chairman of the Board shall annually appoint the following committees and their chairman from among the elected Board members. Additional members are as specified below. Such appointments including committee chairman appointments, must meet with the approval of a majority of the elected Board members.


(a) Budget committee; (b) a committee on Grand Lodge investments and endowments; (c) a committee on Grand Lodge and subordinate properties; (d) a committee on Grand Lodge programs and membership development; and (e) such additional committees as the Board shall deem necessary.

(3) The chairman of each Board committee shall be specified by the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the time of the committee appointment with the Board of Directors approval.

(4) The composition of board committees shall be as follows: (a) the budget committee shall be composed of elected members of the Board. (b) the committee on investments and endowments shall be composed of elected members of

the Board, the Grand Treasurer and the Grand Secretary. (c) the committee on Grand Lodge and Subordinate Properties shall be composed of elected

and ex-officio members of the Board. (d) other committees may include elected, ex-officio and associated members of the Board.

(5) Each committee member shall have full voice and vote on all matters considered by any committee on which he serves.

K. Authority and Responsibilities. (1) Direct Business Affairs. The Board shall have the power and authority of the Grand Lodge

during the periods Grand Lodge is not in session, to direct the business, financial, and legal affairs of the Grand Lodge, necessary to carry into effect, in this Jurisdiction, the goals and objectives duly approved by the Grand Lodge.

(2) Program. The Board shall submit to the Grand Lodge for approval, a comprehensive program for the enhancement of the Order in this jurisdiction. The program shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, image enhancement, membership growth, member and non-member education, member and non-member communication, membership motivation, motivation reinforcement, membership retention, programs and services development, and assets development. The program shall detail specific near-term, immediate-term and long-term goals for each significant aspect of the program, with an estimated cost and the anticipated results for each major element of the program. (The program shall be initially presented to the Grand Lodge within twelve months after the initial election of the Board, either at the annual session or at a special session called for that purpose.) Upon the program's approval by the Grand Lodge, the Board shall implement and direct the program. The Board may recruit such assistance as they deem necessary in promoting the program as approved by the Grand Lodge. The progress of this program shall be continually monitored by the Board. The Board shall report the program's progress at the annual Grand Lodge session, along with any recommended program modifications.

(3) Coordinated effort. The Board shall work in a coordinated manner with the Officers and Committees of Grand Lodge, Grand Lodge affiliated Boards of Directors, the Officers and advisors of units under the authority of Grand Lodge, and the other units of the Order to promote a uniform effort for Odd Fellowship in this Jurisdiction; and shall monitor their workings, offering counsel and advice to settle problems arising, and shall include in their report unresolved problems to the Representatives at the next Grand Lodge Session.

(4) Fiscal and Fiduciary Responsibilities. (a) The Board shall:

(i) oversee the investment of Grand Lodge funds; they may engage the services of a registered investment advisor for investment advice and/or services;


(ii) select one or more of its elected members to sign checks if the Grand Treasurer or Grand Secretary is incapacitated or unavailable; a minimum of two authorized signatures shall be required on all checks drawn on Grand Lodge accounts;

(iii) engage the services of a qualified public accountant to audit the books of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and the Board committee on investments and endowments not less than annually, and whenever changes are made in fiscal personnel; if directed by the Board or the Grand Lodge, the service of an independent auditor may be secured to audit the books and accounts of any other officer, board, committee or employee of the Grand Lodge which has access to Grand Lodge funds; and

(iv) establish a reserve account of not less than five percent (5%) of the proposed budget. (b) approval by a majority of the Board or the Grand Lodge shall be required for disbursement

of Grand Lodge funds relative to the procurement of capital items or extraordinary expenditures.

(c) the Board shall not approve any transfer or disbursement of budgeted funds outside general budget categories without notification, in writing, to all lodges in good standing. Such notification shall state the nature of the proposed expenditure, why such expenditure is necessary, and what impact, if any, the expenditure will have on the following year's budget, and/or per capita assessment. If a majority of the lodges fail to object in writing within 45 days of the mailing, the transfer may be approved.

E. Generally. (1) Establish Rules. The Board may establish additional rules for the conduct of its business

which do not conflict with the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, this Code, or applicable Sovereign Grand Lodge law.

(2) Approve Additional Staff. The Board may approve the hiring of additional staff for Grand Lodge operations if such position has been included in an approved budget. In case of an emergency or unforeseen conditions, the Board may approve hiring additional staff for a period not to exceed one hundred-twenty (120) working days, to fill an un-budgeted position if adequate funds are in the salaries and wages account or the reserve account.

(3) Additional Duties. The Board members shall also: (a) attend all sessions of the Grand Lodge; (b) review and act on petitions for all new lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge,

when submitted after an adjournment of Grand Lodge and prior to April 1; (c) inform lodges of Board actions by disseminating a copy of the minutes of Board meetings

to all Odd Fellow Lodges in this jurisdiction, within thirty days after their stated meetings; the minutes all include a synopsis of committee reports and special meetings;

(d) grant approval prior to the purchase or sale of real property or the erection of a building by a subordinate unit, as prescribed in Chapter V – 7, Section H, of this Code;

(e) select a site for the annual session of the Grand Lodge if no acceptable bids are received; (f) give prior approval for the site for the annual session of the Grand Junior Lodge and Theta

Rho Assembly as set forth in the Constitutions of the Grand Junior Lodge and the Theta Rho Assembly;

(g) confer with and advise the Grand Master prior to his approving or rejecting any petitions for consolidation;

(h) appoint a director to chair and have direction over a Membership, Public Relations, Odd Fellow Lodge Redevelopment and Long Range Planning Sub-committee.

(i) confer with the Grand Master and coordinate with him, specific efforts to assist in revitalizing weak Lodges;


(j) review any proposal from an Area Council relevant to the sponsoring of any project by such council which will require the expenditure of funds unless the Council shall have the full amount on hand; and

(k) perform such other duties as may be specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, this Code, or the Grand Lodge.

F. Duties of Board of Directors' Committees. (1) Budget Committee.

(a) The budget committee, with the assistance of the Committee on Finance, shall annually prepare and submit for consideration by the Grand Lodge, a line item budget categorized by program and function. The proposed budget shall be included with the "Advance Proceedings" and shall include all anticipated revenues and expenses, and any anticipated assessments on members of Odd Fellow Lodges. The budget format shall include:

(i) the salary and benefits budgeted for the Grand Secretary; (ii) the total for salaries and benefits budgeted for salaried positions other than the Grand

Secretary; (iii) the total amount budgeted for temporary help, if any; (iv) the amount of the anticipated revenues and anticipated expenditures approved by the

Grand Lodge for the most recent fiscal year for each budget item and the totals for each budget category;

(v) the amounts actually received and expended during the most recent fiscal year for each budget item and the totals for each budget category;

(vi) the dollar difference between the amounts budgeted and the amounts received and expended for each budget item;

(vii) the amounts of anticipated revenues and proposed expenditures for the new year for each budget item and the totals for each budget category;

(viii) adequate space to insert new or changed budget items which may be approved by the Grand Lodge at its session.

(b) During the annual session, the committee shall present a final detailed budget report including suggested methods of financing any anticipated deficits in each budget category.

(c) The annual budget presented to the Grand Lodge shall be voted upon on the 2nd day of the annual sessions.

(2) Committee on Investments and Endowments. The Board committee on investments and endowments shall:

(a) advise and assist the Grand Treasurer in the management of all endowment trust funds held by him for the benefit of the Grand Lodge as specified in Chapter XXII – 3, of this Code; the management of such endowment trusts shall be in conformity with this Code, the policies of the Board and the Grand Lodge, and the laws of the State of California relative to endowment trust funds;

(b) meet on a regular basis not less than quarterly; (c) establish a proper accounting system to ensure that all cash, securities, real estate, notes

and all other investment instruments and assets, belonging to each specific endowment fund under their control be segregated and kept separate and distinct from any and all other endowment funds and accounts of the Grand Lodge;

(d) record for each fund the date, nature of, and amount of all transactions ordered, approved or made;

(e) record for each fund, all expenses incurred in the management of the assets of the fund and cover those expenses with income generated by the fund;


(f) regularly report their activities to the Board of Directors; (g) make a complete report to the Grand Lodge at each annual session relative to each fund in

their control; the report shall list as applicable to each endowment fund: the amounts of cash on hand; securities held or acquired; cost of same and market value, as of June 30; the result of any real estate operations; a list of notes receivable and amounts of each; a list of donations and/or bequests; and the sources of all income generated by each fund; and

(h) administer the Odd Fellows Home Endowment Fund in the manner set forth in Chapter XXII, Section 4, of this Code and all other trust funds under custody and control of the Grand Lodge unless such administration is delegated to another board or committee by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, or this Code.

(i) the report to the Grand Lodge by the committee on investments and endowments shall include a copy to the findings of the qualified public accountant who performed the audit.

(3) Committee on Grand Lodge and Subordinate Properties. The committee shall: (a) assume authority, under the direction of the Board of Directors, to assist a lodge, or any

entity under the control of a lodge, in the sale of, purchase of, or building upon for lodge purposes, of any real property.

(b) provide that all legal requirements be adhered to in the provide that all legal requirements be adhered to in the liquidation of real property when a lodge has become extinct, and a decision to sell has been determined.

(c) follow procedures authorized by the Board of Directors. (d) assure the rights of lodge members, determine that they have been adhered to according

to; Chapter V – 1, Section 1 (A), of this Code. (e) regularly report their activities to the Board of Directors. (f) make a complete report to the Grand Lodge at each annual session relative to the results of

their activities during the preceding year. (4) Committee on Programs and Membership Development. The Board Committee on

Programs and Development shall: (a) chair and have direction over Subcommittees of Membership, Public Relations and Odd

Fellow Lodge Redevelopment Section. 8. Other Directors

A. Odd Fellows Home Directors. (1) The duties of The Odd Fellows Home of California Directors shall be as set forth in Chapter

XXIV – 7, Article V, of this Code. B. Odd Fellow-Rebekah Childrens' Home Directors.

(1) The duties of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Childrens' Home Directors shall be as specified in Chapter XXIV – 19, Article V, of this Code.

C. California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Directors. (1) The duties of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Directors shall be as set forth

in Chapter XXIV – 31, Article V, of this Code. D. California Odd Fellows Foundation Directors.

(1) The duties of the California Odd Fellows Foundation Directors shall be as set forth in Chapter XXIV – 35, Article IV, of this Code.

Section. 9. Reports of Elective Officers, Directors. (1) Shall Report. All reports of elective officers, the Grand Lodge Board of Directors and the

committees thereof and the several Boards of Directors shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary of their activities during the current term, with any supporting documents as


may be required by the laws of the Grand Lodge by April 1st prior to the annual Grand Lodge session so they can be copied, printed and mailed to all Odd Fellow Lodges in good standing no later than April 5th, and printed in the Advance Proceedings of the Grand Lodge. Any reports submitted after April 1st shall not be printed in the Advance Proceedings but will be accepted and assigned after the close of the first day of the annual session for consideration at the current annual Grand Lodge session.

Section. 10. Duties of Appointive Officers and Assistants. A. Generally.

(1) The general duties of the appointive officers shall be as required by the charges and usages of the Order.

B. Duties of the Grand Instructor. (1) Generally. The Grand Instructor, under the direction of the Grand Master, who shall appoint

him, shall: (a) organize and conduct a school of instruction for incoming District Deputy Grand Masters

at each annual session; (b) coordinate and direct the activities of the Assistants to the Grand Instructor; (c) conduct, at the discretion of the Grand Master, up to fifteen area schools of instruction; (d) aid and advise District Deputy Grand Masters in preparing district schools of instruction; (e) prior to opening of the annual session, organize and conduct an orientation workshop for

new representatives to Grand Lodge; and (f) promote the welfare of the Order in any other way possible.

C. Assistants to the Grand Instructor. (1) Generally. There shall be four Assistants to the Grand Instructor, appointed by the Grand

Master as specified in Chapter III – 3, Section 1 (C) (1) (c), of this Code, who shall: (a) meet with the Grand Instructor, at least three times during the term for the purpose of

planning schools of instruction, the presentation of promotional materials, and other matters of interest to the District Deputy Grand Masters and the Odd Fellow Lodges; and

(b) assist the District Deputy Grand Masters in their areas, with schools of instruction, district or lodge correspondence, and otherwise as may be required for the good of the Order.

Section. 11. District Deputy Grand Masters. A. Qualifications.

(1) Member in Good Standing. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall be a member in good standing in the Grand Lodge.

(2) Knowledge. Each candidate for District Deputy Grand Master shall familiarize himself fully with the contents of the rituals, constitutions, laws and customs of the Order relating to Odd Fellow lodges in order that he be qualified to perform all duties pertaining to the office of District Deputy Grand Master.

(3) Proficiency. Each candidate for District Deputy Grand Master shall commit to memory and be able to recite the unwritten work of the Initiatory, First, Second, and Third Degrees and the charges of the District Deputy Grand Master pertaining to the Installation of Officers in a proficient manner and without the use of aids.

(4) Trained Leader. He should be a trained leader and exhibit, by personal example, an enthusiastic willingness to at all times work for the best interests of the Order.

(5) Examination Of. Each candidate for District Deputy Grand Master shall present himself to the Committee on Examination of District Deputy Grand Masters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the day preceding the annual Grand Lodge session, or between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the first day of the session, or at such other time as may be directed by the Grand Lodge, Grand Master or the chairman of the Committee. Each candidate shall


without the use of any aids pass an oral examination administered by a member or members of the committee, in the unwritten work and the installation charges of the District Deputy Grand Master, before he may be certified to the Grand Master-elect, as qualified to assume the duties of office.

(6) May Hold Office. He may hold any elective or appointive office in his lodge except Noble Grand or Vice Grand, and shall be installed into office by a qualified Past Grand.

B. Generally. (1) Duties and Powers of District Deputy Grand Masters. The District Deputy Grand Master

shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, install officers of all Lodges in his District and enforce a due observance of the Constitution, Bylaws and resolutions of the Grand Lodge; be the official representative of the Grand Master with the Odd Fellow Lodges in his jurisdiction; have power to grant dispensations for holding public installations of officers, installing Third Degree members as Vice Grand or Noble Grand who do not have previous service in the required number of offices, providing all qualified brothers decline to serve, allowing brothers to appear in public in regalia, and for giving social parties in the name of the Order; he shall see that the work of the Order is performed uniformly; must know prior to installation that the Noble Grand and Vice Grand of the Lodges in his district have committed to memory and are able to perform, without the use of the Ritual, the work pertaining to their respective offices in the Initiatory Degree; see to it that all monies and Reports due the Grand Lodge are forwarded immediately to the Grand Secretary; respond in writing to all questions of law that is submitted to him in writing under seal of the Lodge by the Lodges under his charge; he must report immediately all such decisions to the Grand Master for his approval, and report annually to the Grand Master all other proceedings had or taken by him; he shall forthwith report to the Grand Master all cases of violation, on the part of the Odd Fellow Lodges, of the Constitution and the Bylaws of the Grand Lodge or disobedience to his lawful commands, and also specially report to the Grand Master, any violation of the laws rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of California and The Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Installing Officers, representing Grand Officers, shall be Past Grands in good standing, staff escorts and minor officers need not be.

It may also be the duty of the District Deputy Grand Master to organize District Degree Lodges in accordance with Chapter V – 9, Section J, of this Code.

(2) Visitations. A District Deputy Grand Master shall: (a) make at least two official visits to each lodge in his District; one visit shall be soon after

the annual Grand Lodge session for the purpose of presenting his commission and giving instructions; another visit shall be made after election of officers and prior to installation, for the purpose of examining the incoming elective and appointive officers and to give said officers instructions relative to the installation.

(b) visit each lodge soon after installation for the purpose of holding an officer's school of instruction.

(c) attend the official visitation of the Grand Master, or other officer designated by the Grand Master, to a lodge within his district; and be encouraged to attend all visitations of the Grand Master in his area.

(d) be encouraged to visit all lodges in his district on a regular and frequent basis. (3) Appoint Installation Staff. He shall appoint a staff to assist in the installation of officers.

Installing Officers, representing Grand Lodge Officers, as specified in the Installation Ceremony, shall be Past Grands in good standing; staff escorts need not necessarily be, however, preference shall be given to Past Grands.


(4) District Meeting. He shall organize, in cooperation with the Grand Instructor or Assistant to the Grand Instructor for his area, at least one District Meeting during his term, for the purpose of instructing members in the laws and customs of the Order.

The cost of district meeting shall be paid by the lodges on a per capita basis according to each lodge's membership as shown in the most recent Grand Lodge Journal.

(5) Report Annually. He shall, on or before the fifteenth day of March: (a) submit a written report to the Grand Master. The report shall be on forms supplied by the

Grand Lodge and shall contain: (i) a list of the installations held and the names of the officers, if any, installed under the

provisions of Chapter IV – 4, Section 4 (2) (d), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws;

(ii) a list of District Meetings held; (iii) decisions rendered and not previously reported, giving the reasons for the decision; (iv) a statement of the general condition of each lodge in the district; (v) any other matters pertinent to his district or to the Order which he may deem of

importance; and (vi) a list of dispensations granted and the reason therefore.

(b) submit to the Deputy Grand Master on forms supplied by the Grand Lodge, the name of a qualified Past Grand or Past Grands from each lodge in his district to be recommended for appointment to Grand Lodge Committees; the recommendation shall include a brief statement of the members' experience and qualifications for such appointment.

C. District Committee Appointments. (1) Committee Appointments. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall appoint District

Chairmen for the following committees, to serve for the Grand Lodge year for which the District Deputy Grand Master shall serve:

(a) Arthritis. (b) Visual Research. (c) Good fellowship. (d) Odd Fellow- Rebekah Youth Education and United Nations Tour. (e) Public Relations. (f) Other Committees as requested by the Deputy Grand Master.

Each recommended District Deputy Grand Master shall submit to the Deputy Grand Master, during the School of Instructions, the name, address and telephone number of the District Chairman for each committee listed above. This information shall be submitted on forms sent to each recommended District Deputy Grand Master by the Grand Secretary.

(2) Committee Responsibilities. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall act as District Chairman for the following Grand Lodge committees:

(a) Disaster (b) Membership

Section. 12. Elections. A. (11)Nominations and Election.

(1) When. Nominations and Elections of the elective officers, directors and of the Grand Lodge along with the selection of future convention site(s) shall be made at the time specified in the Order of Business, Section 19, A, (3) of this Chapter.

(2) (11)Order. The order of nominations shall be: Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Secretary (if required), Grand Treasurer (if required), Grand Representative, Grand Lodge Directors, Odd Fellow Home of California Directors, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children’s Home Directors, California Odd Fellow Youth Camp


Directors, California Odd Fellow and Foundation Directors. If there shall be an open, non contested elected office or a vacancy in an unexpired term on a board, nominations to fill these positions shall be held immediately after the closing of nomination for the full term on that same board.

(3) Who May Nominate. Any Past Grand who has received the Grand Lodge Degree and is a member of this Grand Lodge who is present when nominations are called for, shall have the privilege to nominate.

(4) Consent Required. Such Past Grand shall obtain the consent of the member to be nominated, prior to placing his or her name in nominations.

(5) Eligibility. For a member to be eligible to have his or her name placed in nomination, he or she must be present unless excused by a two-thirds majority vote of the Grand Lodge.

(6) Limit. A nomination shall be limited in that a nominator shall only state his or her nominee's name, the name and number of the lodge in which the nominee is a member and the office to which he or she is being nominated for.

(7) Should a member hold any elected office of Grand Lodge, which is not due to expire for another year, he or she may not be permitted to run for a subsequent office; thereby restricting that member to maintain their originally elected office until his/her term is set to expire.

(8) An elected officer may however resign his or her office prior to submitting Statement of Qualifications for an elected office, and take their chances of holding any office.

(9) An elected officer of another Grand Body, such as the Grand Encampment, Rebekah Assembly, and Patriarchs Militant, currently serving, may not run for an elected office of the Grand Lodge.

B. Statement of Qualifications. (1) Required.

(a) Any Past Grand who has received the Grand Lodge Degree or will receive the Grand Lodge Degree at the upcoming session, who desires to be elected to any open office of the Grand Lodge, including director elected by the members of Grand Lodge in session, must submit a ‘Statement of Qualifications’ and a ‘Letter of Good Standing’ from his/her Odd Fellow Lodge in which they maintain their primary membership in this Jurisdiction, to the Grand Lodge Office prior to April 1, of the year in which the election shall take place.

(b) In addition, the ‘Letter of Good Standing’ shall be on Lodge letterhead properly sealed and signed by the Noble Grand and attested by the Secretary and shall indicate the date when the Lodge action was taken.

(c) All candidates for Director of the Odd Fellow Homes of California must meet the requirements specified in Chapter XXVIII, Section 1, Article V, Section 5.3, Paragraph (5) on Page 261.

(2) Format. The statement of qualifications shall not exceed one (1) page and shall be printed on white 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch paper. The statement shall be typewritten using 10 or 12 pitch type with not more than 6 lines per inch and shall have a minimum peripheral margin of 1 inch. The statement shall bear a heading essentially as follows:

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATONS OF candidate name FOR THE OFFICE OF title of office OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS OF CALIFORNIA (3) The Statement of Qualifications may include the candidate's age, marital and family status,

memberships within the Order, educational background, and if he or she has a written or verbal endorsement by lodge in which he or she holds membership.

Ballots. (1) Printed Ballots. After a recess has been called on the day of nominations, the Grand Master


shall order ballots containing names of each eligible candidate, under the proper caption of the office for which each was nominated. If there is only one candidate for an office, neither the caption of the office nor the candidate be listed on the printed ballot.

(2) Legal Ballots. Only ballots printed by the Grand Lodge shall be distributed to and cast by the members in the election process of the Grand Lodge.

C. Election Procedure. (1) Grand Warden Presentation. Prior to the appointment of tellers, each candidate for the

office of Grand Warden shall be required to give a talk, not to exceed three minutes, on his or her thoughts and plans to benefit Odd Fellowship.

(2) Voice Vote. In all cases where only one candidate has been nominated for an office, the election may be held by voice vote.

(3) Tellers. Before balloting commences, the Grand Master shall appoint a sufficient number of members, not regular committee members, to distribute and collect the ballots and to act as tellers to canvass the same.

(4) Distribution. The tellers shall distribute one blank ballot to each member of the Grand Lodge.

(5) Balloting. Each member shall cast his or her ballot for one candidate for each office (unless otherwise instructed), by placing an (X) or a cross (+) upon the ballot in the box opposite the name of the candidate for whom he or she desires to vote.

(6) Collection of Ballots. When the ballot is being taken, every person in the room, except the tellers, shall be and remain seated. When the balloting is completed the tellers shall simultaneously start from the head of the room (that nearest the Grand Master's station) and proceed together to collect the ballots, in order, from the Brothers and Sisters in their respective row of seats, and from no others. When all ballots have been collected the tellers shall immediately retire to the anteroom with the ballots and there proceed to count the ballots.

(7) Business May Continue. Business May Continue. While the tellers are counting the ballots, the Grand Lodge may continue with its regular business, and the chair shall count the tellers as voting, however, should any subject matter be apparently debatable, any vote where the teller’s votes could change its outcome is debatable subject matter, it is to lay on the table until after the tellers have given their report and the chair has declared the result. The report from the tellers shall take precedence over all other business. The report of the tellers shall be in writing and shall be signed by each of the tellers indicating their concurrence with the report. Immediately after the chair declares the result the ballots shall be given to the chairman of the Judiciary Committee who will keep them under his control for 24 hours and return them to the chair and witness their destruction by the chair. Any member of the Grand Lodge may recount the ballots under the supervision of the chairman of the Judiciary Committee while they are under his control. If the chairman of the Judiciary Committee is absent, the vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee shall assume this duty.

(8) Majority Necessary. Any candidate receiving a majority of votes cast for that office shall be declared elected.

(9) Second Ballot. If no majority is received by any candidate on the first ballot, a second ballot shall be taken in the same manner as designated in paragraphs (4) through (6) above, with the second ballot being confined to the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes for each office (or the top two candidates if there were only three for an office on the first ballot) where no election resulted on the first ballot.

(10) Third Ballot. If there is no election on the second ballot, a third ballot shall be held with the vote confined to the two candidates receiving the highest numbers of votes on the second ballot.


(11) Tie. In the event of a tie a fourth and subsequent ballots shall be taken until one member has received a majority of votes.

(12) Voting Option. The Grand Lodge may, during its Annual Session, as an option, use electronic voting devices when voting.

Section. 13. Filling of Vacancies of Grand Lodge Positions. A. Elected Grand Lodge Officers.

(1) All Elected Positions of Grand Lodge with the exception of the offices of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden that become vacant prior to the next session shall be subject to notification of all Lodges of such vacancies within thirty days. At which time any candidates wishing to fill the position will submit a statement of qualifications to Grand Lodge for consideration. All appointments shall be made within sixty days and last until the next regular session of Grand Lodge.

(2) Grand Master. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Master the Deputy Grand Master shall assume and discharge the duties of the Grand Master until the next session of Grand Lodge.

(3) Deputy Grand Master. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Deputy Grand Master, the office shall remain vacant until the next session of Grand Lodge.

(4) Both Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master. In the event of a vacancy in both the offices of Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, the Junior Past Grand Master shall assume the office and perform the duties of Grand Master for the remainder of the term. If the Junior Past Grand Master shall be unavailable or shall decline to assume the office of Grand Master, the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall within thirty days select a Past Grand Master or if unable, a qualified member to serve in that office until the installation of a successor.

(5) Grand Warden. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Warden, the office shall remain vacant until the next session of Grand Lodge.

(6) Grand Representatives. In the event of a vacancy, or an inability to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, in the office of Grand Representative prior to the Sovereign Grand Lodge session, the Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors as directed in subsection (1) of this Section, if time allows, shall appoint a qualified member to fulfill the duties of this office. In the event of an emergency of time constraints, the majority of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall appoint a qualified member of Grand Lodge to serve.

(7) Grand Secretary. If the office of Grand Secretary becomes vacant during the adjournment of Grand Lodge and prior to April 1, the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall immediately comply with subsection (1) of this section. The Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors may designate a qualified member of Grand Lodge to pro tem in that office while the selection of a temporary Grand Secretary is in progress. The pro-tem Grand Secretary shall not sign checks or handle securities without the approval of the finance committee of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(a) Each applicant for the office of Grand Secretary shall meet the qualifications specified in Chapter III – 6, 4 (A) (2), of this Code, and shall submit along with the application a statement of qualifications as specified in Chapter III – 19, Section 12 (B), of this Code.

(b) The Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall after reviewing the applications and interviewing the candidates shall select a qualified member of Grand Lodge to serve as Grand Secretary until the next session of Grand Lodge


(8) Grand Treasurer. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Grand Treasurer, the members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall comply with Section (1) of this section immediately.

(a) The Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors may designate a qualified member of the Grand Lodge to pro tem in that office while the selection of a temporary Grand Treasurer is in progress. The pro tem Grand Treasurer shall not sign checks or handle securities without the approval of the finance committee of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(b) The Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall after reviewing the applications and interviewing the candidates shall select a qualified member of Grand Lodge to serve as Grand Treasurer until the next session of Grand Lodge.

(c) All applicants shall meet the qualification specified in Chapter III – 9, Section 5 (A) (2), of this Code.

B. Grand Lodge Board of Directors. In the event of a vacancy among the elected members of the Board of Directors, after compliance with Section (1) of this Section, the Grand Master with approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, shall select within sixty days a member of the Grand Lodge to assume and discharge the duties of an elective Board member.

(1) In the event the Grand Master and the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors feel there aren't any qualified candidates to fulfill the duties within the time allowed, the position may be left open until the next session of Grand Lodge, at which time an election will be held to fulfill the remainder of the vacant term.

C. Directors. In the event of a vacancy of any of the elected members of the Grand Lodge Boards, the Grand Master with the approval of the majority of the remaining members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, and in compliance of Section (1) of this section appoint a qualified member of Grand Lodge to assume the duties of the elective Board member.

(1) In the event the Grand Master and the majority of the rest of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors feel there aren't any qualified candidates to fulfill the duties within the time allowed, the position may be left open until the next session of Grand Lodge, at which time an election will be held to fulfill the remainder of the vacant term.

(a) all vacancies for Director of Odd Fellows Home of California (both Directors and At-Large Directors) shall be filled as specified in Chapter XXIV – 8, Article V, Section 5.6, of this Code.

D. Appointive Officers. In the event of a vacancy in an appointive office the Grand Master with the advice of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall appoint a member of the Grand Lodge to fill the office for the rest of the term.

(1) In the event the Grand Master feels there are not any qualified candidates to fulfill the duties within the time allowed, the position may be left open until the next session of Grand Lodge.

Section. 14. Committees of the Grand Lodge. A. Standing Committee. (Repealed 1989 - Any reference to "The Standing Committee" of the

Grand Lodge contained in this Code shall hereafter refer to the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.)

B. The Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California. (1) Members From the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand

Warden shall represent the Grand Lodge on the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California.

(2) Duties. The Board shall function as specified in Chapter XXXI, Section 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.


C. Grand Lodge Sessional Committees. (1) Generally.

(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or other provisions, of this Code, members of Grand Lodge Sessional Committees shall:

(i) be representatives to the Grand Lodge at the time of appointment; (ii) be in attendance at the session when appointed; and (iii) not serve on more than one sessional committee during a term.

(b) Chairmen of sessional committees shall submit any interim reports required by this Section to the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors at the time(s) specified in the paragraph detailing the duties of the committee. The Chairman of any sessional Grand Lodge committee who fails to file any required report shall not be reappointed to the committee as chairman or vice-chairman.

(2) Assignment. The Committee on assignment shall consist of one member who shall be chairman, and one alternate who shall act in the absence or incapacity of the chairman.

(a) The committee shall review bills, resolutions, and petitions which may be submitted for Grand Lodge consideration, and assign any requiring committee action to the appropriate committee(s). The committee shall also review all reports to the Grand Lodge and may assign such reports or portions thereof as they may deem appropriate.

(b) During the adjournment of the annual Grand Lodge Session and prior to April 1, the required review and assignment shall be made within 15 days of receipt of a certified copy of the item from the office of the Grand Secretary. When the assignment is made, a notice of assignment shall immediately be transmitted to the office of the Grand Secretary in order that a copy of the item shall be sent to the chairman of the committee(s) to which assignment has been made.

(c) After March 31, and through the annual Grand Lodge session, the review and assignment of all items which may lawfully be presented at the session shall be made as soon as possible after receipt of a copy of the item or document from the Grand Secretary.

(3) Credentials. The Committee on Credentials shall consist of eight members who shall: (a) be available to review credentials between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the day preceding

the annual Grand Lodge session, also at least one hour before the specified time for opening until adjournment each day during the session, and at such other times as may be directed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master;

(b) examine and report to the Grand Lodge on the credentials and certificates of members, visitors, and candidates for the Grand Lodge Degree;

(c) reject anyone who is unable to present an Official Certificate showing the member, candidate or visitor to be in good standing in the lodge in which he holds primary Odd Fellow Lodge membership;

(d) issue appropriate badges and regalia to all qualified officers, representatives, members, and visitors attending a Grand Lodge session;

(e) distribute copies of the Advance Proceedings to all qualified members and candidates for the Grand Lodge Degree registered prior to the opening of the annual session.

(2) Examination of District Deputy Grand Masters. The Committee on Examination of District Deputy Grand Masters shall consist of seven members, who shall examine and pass on the qualifications of all recommended District Deputy Grand Masters, and report on same to the Grand Lodge. The committee shall be available to examine recommended District Deputy Grand Masters between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the day preceding the annual Grand Lodge session, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the first day of the annual session, and at such other times as may be directed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. The Grand Master, at his discretion, may appoint such assistants as


he may deem necessary, to assist the committee during the annual session of the Grand Lodge.

(3) Finance. The committee on finance shall consist of five members. A majority of the committee shall reside within seventy-five (75) miles of the Grand Lodge headquarters.

(a) The committee shall meet monthly at the Grand Lodge office and review all claims against the Grand Lodge and report its findings to the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(i) The report shall be made prior to payment of any claim for capital items or un-budgeted goods or services.

(ii) The report shall be made within thirty days of the payment of bills for budgeted reoccurring services, including utilities, and budgeted reoccurring supplies purchases.

(b) The committee on finance shall examine the accounts of: (i) the Odd Fellows Home Directors, and the California Odd Fellows Foundation Directors,

whenever they deem necessary; and (ii) any other officer(s), board(s), or committee(s) under the authority and responsibility of

the Grand Lodge, when directed to do so by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(c) Prior to the start of the Grand Lodge Session, the committee shall assist the Grand Lodge Board of Directors budget committee in preparing a proposed Grand Lodge budget for the ensuing fiscal year.

(d) The committee shall administer the Higher Education Fund of the Grand Lodge in the manner set forth in Chapter XXII – 6, Section D, of this Code.

(6) Judiciary. The Committee on Judiciary shall consist of five members, two of whom shall be Grand Representatives. The committee shall:

(a) review the decisions of the Grand Master and report thereon at the next annual session of the Grand Lodge;

(b) when requested by the Grand Master, assist that officer in researching the laws of the Order relative to a pending decision;

(c) review all appeals and petitions submitted to the Grand Lodge and cause to be returned to the lodge or member which submitted same, any found not to be in proper form, noting necessary changes, corrections, or clarifications needed therein;

(d) review and render a decision on each appeal and petition submitted in proper form to the Grand Lodge prior to April 1, of each year; such decision shall be certified and filed with the Grand Secretary on or before the April 15;

(e) report to the Grand Lodge all decisions rendered during the year, and recommend any action on petitions as they deem proper;

(f) interpret the laws of the Grand Lodge and Order when requested by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge;

(g) examine all emergency legislation submitted after the deadline for submitting regular bills and take action thereon as specified in Chapter III – 39, Section 18 (5), of this Code;

(h) annually review the draft of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and supplements to this Code to make sure that all legislation enacted at the annual session has been included and to make "housekeeping corrections" without changing the meaning or intent prior to being forwarded to the Sovereign Grand Lodge for approval.

(i) review the final draft of any "Handbook", "Manual" or "Book of Instructions" for lodges, officers, or members of any unit under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, for compliance with the laws, rules and customs of the Order, prior to being printed.

(j) Cases resulting in the expulsion of a member from this Order, within this Jurisdiction, shall be reviewed by the Grand Lodge Judiciary Committee. The committee will investigate


and review all evidence brought against that member and ensure procedural protocol was followed.

If any appeal or petition is submitted after March 31, and before the succeeding annual session, the committee shall have discretion to report on same during the session or delay its decision until after the session. Provided however, the Grand Lodge may on a two-thirds vote require that the appeal or petition be considered at that session. When a matter is so referred, the committee shall render a decision and report on same at the earliest practical day of the session during which such referral was made.

(7) Legislation. The committee on Legislation shall consist of a chairman and vice-chairman (who shall also act as Grand Lodge Legislative Counsels), and five additional members.

(a) The Legislative Counsels shall: (i) when requested prior to March 1, assist any person(s) qualified to submit legislation to

the Grand Lodge with the preparation of bills to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or any provisions contained in the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws;

(ii) immediately review all bills submitted prior to March 1 and, without commenting on the advisability of the proposed legislation, cause to be returned to the maker(s) submitting same any found not to be in proper form noting the necessary changes, corrections, or clarifications needed therein; and

(iii) submit a report, no later than March 15, detailing their activities during the term. (b) The full committee shall:

(i) examine and report on all bills in print which have been submitted to the Grand Lodge by a qualified person or entity of the Order

(ii) draft such legislation as may be directed by the Grand Lodge; unless an emergency is declared, the bill and report thereon shall be presented at the succeeding annual Grand Lodge session; and

(iii) examine and report on such other matters as may be referred to them by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master.

(8) Printing. The Committee on Printing shall consist of six members, including the Grand Secretary, who shall be chairman. The committee shall:

(a) receive and log all bills, resolutions, reports, petitions and other communications submitted to the Grand Lodge for consideration at the annual session;

(b) immediately, upon receipt, forward a copy of all documents which may require assignment to the Committee on Assignment;

(c) immediately forward a copy of assigned bills, resolutions, petitions or other documents to the assigned committee(s);

(d) coordinate the printing of enough copies of the "Daily Journal" and election ballots so that each member of the Grand Lodge in attendance will be supplied with same;

(e) coordinate the printing of any other documents for general distribution to those in attendance at the Grand Lodge session as may be directed by the Grand Lodge, Grand Master or Grand Master-elect, if the cost of such printing has been previously approved by the Committee on Finance or the Grand Lodge. Such approval shall be in conformance with the Rules of the Grand Lodge; and

(f) help proofread the final draft of the "Grand Lodge Proceedings" before it is submitted to the printer.

(9) Rebekah Legislation. The Committee on Rebekah Legislation shall consist of five members, who shall be members in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge in good standing and have received the Rebekah Degree.

(a) The Committee shall examine and review all actions taken by the Rebekah Assembly to change Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws to endure these actions in no way


conflict with the Code, outside the legislative authority of the Rebekah Assembly of California.

(b) Report to the Grand Lodge any actions taken that conflict with the authority of the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge.

(c) Act as Liaison to the Rebekah Assembly and report any actions they would like the Grand Lodge to take pertaining to the Rebekahs of California, which are not within their legislative authority.

(d) Submit legislation needed to clarify and implement changes approved by the Rebekah Assembly, which lie outside the legislative authority of the Rebekah Assembly.

(e) The committee may, at its discretion, consider any action on Emergency Rebekah Legislation failing to meet submission deadlines. The committee shall make an addendum to their report concerning these actions, to be added to the last days proceedings and presented to the Grand Master at the next scheduled meeting of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(10) State of the Order. The Committee on State of the Order shall consist of seven members, who shall:

(a) examine such reports and other matters as may be referred to them and report thereon to the Grand Lodge;

(i) The Grand Lodge Board of Directors shall forward to the State of the Order Committee any reports or other matters it receives or accepts which the Board or Grand Master believes may pertain to the State of the Order.

(b) periodically review the Grand Lodge programs and report thereon to the Grand Lodge, with any recommendations they may have regarding same; such review shall occur at least every four years;

(c) annually present to the Grand Lodge an exhibit of the condition and progress of the Order in this Jurisdiction; and

(d) recommend such measures for the Good of the Order from time to time as they shall judge proper.

D. Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committees. (1) Generally.

(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or other provisions, of this Code, members of Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committees shall be members of the Grand Lodge at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee.

(i) Committee chairmen shall be in attendance at the session when appointed and at each subsequent annual Grand Lodge session during their tenure on the committee unless excused by a three-fourths majority vote of the Grand Lodge upon a motion to excuse.

(ii) Committee members shall be in attendance at the session when initially appointed unless excused by a two-thirds majority vote of the Grand Lodge upon a motion to excuse.

(b) Unless otherwise specified in this Section, each chairman (director or coordinator) of a Grand Lodge Jurisdictional Committee shall submit an interim report to the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors no later than December 1, and a final annual report no later than April 1. If necessary, a supplemental report may be submitted to the Grand Lodge at its annual session. The chairman (director or coordinator) of any jurisdictional Grand Lodge committee who fails to file an annual report shall not be reappointed to the committee as chairman or vice-chairman.

(2) Historical. The Historical Committee shall consist of five members, who shall collect, catalog, and preserve items of historical value and arrange for the display thereof. If the committee determines that there are surplus duplicate items, the committee shall submit to


the Grand Lodge, at an annual session, a written resolution to sell surplus duplicate items, to which a lodge or individual members may hold title under the laws of this Order. The resolution shall itemize the items intended to be sold and include the sale price or price range. Upon approval of the resolution by a two-thirds vote of the working members of the Grand Lodge present and voting, the items may be sold, but only to lodges or members. The proceeds from such sales shall be used to help defray the cost of operating the museum at the Grand Lodge headquarters.

(3) Bylaws Review. The Bylaws Review Committee shall consist of five members who shall: (a) examine all bylaws of all Odd Fellow Lodges, Junior Lodges, Hall/Temple Associations

and/or Corporations, Cemetery Associations and/or Corporations. (b) review said bylaws and note any conflicts that occur with The Sovereign Grand Lodge

Code of General Laws and/or Roberts Code of California. (c) any conflicts with The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and/or Roberts Code

must be noted on the original or electronic copies of the submitted bylaws with the Article and Section numbers.

(d) bylaws not returned, either approved or with recommended changes within 90 days of being received by the Grand Secretary, will be considered approved as submitted.

(e) two copies of the Bylaws must be submitted under the seal of the lodge or association with a notation of the dates read, members voting aye or nay and signed by the appropriate bylaws committee members or officers.

(f) bylaws must be submitted every five years for committee review and it shall be the committee's responsibility to notify the submitting body when their bylaws need to be submitted for review.

(g) it shall also be the responsibility of the committee to submit legislation to correct any egregious bylaws omissions.

(h) review of proposed By-Laws may be done electronically and upon approval by the committee, two copies shall be submitted with signatures and seal of the Lodge. One to remain on file with the Grand Secretary and one to be returned to the submitting lodge or association.

(4) Auditing Committee. (a) The Grand Lodge Auditing Committee shall consist of at least five Odd Fellows, appointed

by the Grand Master. (b) The committee shall:

(i) establish standards and guidelines for all lodges, clubs and associations operating under the ultimate authority of the Grand Lodge regarding the establishment of proper procedures for the expenditure and disbursement of monies in order to protect the unit's financial integrity and the Order's tax exempt status;

(ii) instruct and assist lodges, clubs and associations in maintaining proper financial records and procedures for completing and filing required tax forms, and

(iii) conduct audits as specified in this Section. (c) The committee chairman may, with the concurrence of the Grand Master, designate

additional qualified Odd Fellows to assist or perform audits when it is necessary to expedite the completion of an audit.

(d) This committee shall have authority to audit all books and property of any lodge, club, corporation or association operating under a Charter granted by the Grand Lodge, or any corporation or other entity establish by an action of the Grand Lodge, or any corporations, association or other entity created by or operating under the authority of an entity chartered or authorized by the Grand Lodge, whenever,

(i) requested by the Grand Master;


(ii) requested by a lodge, club, corporation when such request is under seal (if applicable) and properly signed by the presiding officer and attested by the secretarial officer;

(iii) the secretary or treasurer of the Grand Lodge determines that a report sent to the Grand Lodge may be incorrect or falsified;

(iv) there is other evidence that the funds or assets of the entity are being dissipated, or that the entity has become inactive;

(v) the entity fails to complete and submit in a timely manner, a· required semi-annual or yearend report;

(vi) the entity is seeking to consolidate with another entity; (vii) the entity is seeking to purchase or sell real property or erect a new temple; or (viii) a member of the Order, in a sworn affidavit, alleges financial irregularities.

(e) Committee members may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses associated with the audit. Reimbursement shall be made by the Grand Lodge. When a Junior Lodge is audited reimbursement shall be made by the Grand Lodge. Reimbursement for an audit of a corporation shall be prorated on the number of directors elected by the Grand Lodge or Rebekah Assembly. Reimbursement for an audit of an association shall be prorated on the basis of the primary affiliation of the unit or units represented in the association. Reimbursement shall be made, only after submission of a written report on the audit to the audit committee chairman, and upon presentation to the secretary of the appropriate Grand Body or the executive committee of the Grand Body. Mileage reimbursement shall not exceed the mileage rate paid to the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. No more than three members of the committee shall receive reimbursement for the same audit.

(f) When audits are performed pursuant to sub-paragraph (d) (i) through (d) (vi), or when an audit is performed under sub-paragraph (d) (viii) and chargeable irregularities are found, the entity audited shall, whenever funds are available, reimburse the Grand Lodge for all reimbursable expenses incurred by the committee relative to the audit.

E. Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees. (1) Generally.

(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or this Code, persons appointed to Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees:

(i) representing the Grand Lodge shall be members of the Grand Lodge at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee; and

(ii) representing the Rebekah Assembly shall be Rebekah sisters holding membership in the Rebekah Assembly at the time of their appointment, however, they do not have to be Delegates when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the committee.

(b) Committee chairmen (directors or coordinators) shall be in attendance at the session when appointed and at each subsequent annual Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly session during their tenure on the committee unless excused by a three-fourths majority vote in their respective Grand Body upon a motion to excuse.

(c) Committee members shall be in attendance at the session when initially appointed unless excused by a two-thirds vote of their respective Grand Body upon a motion to excuse.

(d) Unless otherwise specified in this Section, each chairman (director or coordinator) of a Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committee shall submit a by-monthly interim report to the Grand Master and/or President, and their respective Executive Committee no later than July 15, September 15, November 15, January 15, and a final report to their Grand Body no later than April 1. If necessary, a supplemental report may be submitted to the Grand Lodge and the Rebekah Assembly at the annual session. The chairman (director or coordinator) of any Joint Jurisdictional Grand Lodge


committee who fails to file an annual report shall not be reappointed to the committee as chairman (director or coordinator) or vice-chairman (vice-director or vice-coordinator).

(2) Arthritis. The Arthritis Committee is a joint committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.

(a) Regions. There shall be (4) regions for the Joint Arthritis Committee. Each region's geographical area shall correspond to the area allocated to the local Arthritis Chapter, as follows:

(i) Northern California Region (North Coast and Coast Range through Monterey County) (ii) Northeastern California Region (North-central and North-eastern Counties, the

Sacramento, Northern and Central San Joaquin Valley Counties through Tulare County, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains)

(iii) Southern California Region (South Central Coast, Kern County, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and the South Eastern Desert)

(iv) San Diego Region (San Diego and Imperial Counties) Arthritis Chapter headquarters are located in, or near, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angles, and San Diego.

(b) Committee Chairmen. (i) State Co-chairmen. The Grand Master-elect and the Rebekah Assembly President-elect

shall each appoint one State Co-chairman for a term of three years, which shall not be concurrent.

(ii) Regional Co-chairmen. The Grand Master-elect and Rebekah Assembly President-elect shall each appoint one Regional Co-chairman for each region to serve a term of one year.

(iii) District Chairmen. Each District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy President shall appoint one Chairman for his/her district.

(iv) Lodge Chairmen. Each Noble Grand shall appoint one Lodge Chairman for their respective lodge.

(c) Duties of Chairmen: (i) The State Co-chairmen shall:

(A) assist the Regional Co-chairmen in promoting Arthritis awareness and to help raise funds throughout the State.

(B) accompany the Regional Co-chairmen on a visit to the Arthritis Chapter office for each region.

(C) provide each Regional Co-chairman with the name, address and telephone number of the Arthritis Chapter's Executive Director or President for their respective Region, and a map showing the counties included in their respective region.

(D) make arrangements for an Arthritis Educational Tour to be conducted during the month of March, for the Deputy Grand Master and the Vice President of the Rebekah Assembly; and

(E) make arrangements for and be co-chairmen of an Arthritis Program workshop during the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly annual sessions; the State Co-chairmen shall invite a representative from the Arthritis Chapter of the region in which the annual sessions are being held to make a presentation about arthritis.

(ii) The Regional Co-chairmen shall: (A) meet with the Arthritis Chapter's Executive Director or President of their respective

region, and offer the services of the lodges to assist in promoting the Arthritis Program in their respective region;

(B) work with the District Chairmen and/or lodges to promote arthritis awareness and help raise funds for the program.


(iii) The District Chairmen are the direct contact between their respective Regional Chairman and the local lodges. The District Chairmen shall:

(A) work to promote the Arthritis Program as furnished by their Regional Co-chairman; (B) assist the Lodge Chairmen in their district and recommend activities to raise money

for the program; and (C) forward to their Lodge Chairmen, any information received from the Regional Co-

chairmen. (iv) The Lodge Chairmen shall:

(A) present the Arthritis Program to their lodge as furnished by their District Chairman; (B) work to promote the Arthritis Program as furnished by their District Chairman and

recommend joint activities to their lodge to raise money for the program; and (C) present to their lodge any information relative to the program that may be received

from their District Chairman. (d) Reports. Reports are due as follows:

(i) the State Co-chairmen shall submit an interim report no later than November 15, and an annual report no later than April 1. The reports shall contain the activities of each Region and the total funds raised for the Arthritis Program as reported to them through the date of the report.

(ii) the Regional Co-chairmen shall submit reports to their respective State Co-chairmen no later than November 1, March 1, and May 10. These reports shall detail the activities reported by their respective District Chairmen.

(iii) the District Chairmen shall submit reports to their respective Regional Co-chairmen no later than October 15, February 15, and May 1. These reports shall detail the activities reported by their respective District Chairmen.

(iv) the Lodge Chairmen shall submit reports to their respective District Chairman no later than October 1, February 1, and April 15. These reports shall detail the activities reported by their respective lodge including the total amounts raised for donation to the Arthritis Program.

(e) Funds. All funds raised for the Arthritis Program shall be forwarded as follows: (i) Odd Fellow Lodges: to the Grand Lodge office by April 1. (ii) Rebekah Lodges: to the Rebekah Assembly office by April 1.

All chairmen shall include the total net amount of funds raised for the Arthritis Program in their final report.

(f) Communications. The line of communication between the various chairmen and co-chairmen shall be as follows:

(i) Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly to their respective State Cochairman. (ii) State Co-chairmen to their respective Regional Co-chairmen. (iii) Regional Co-chairmen to their respective District Chairmen. (iv) District Chairmen to their respective Lodge Chairmen. (v) the reverse order shall also apply for communications/reports originating at a lower

level. (vi) should any district be without a District Deputy or a District Chairman, the respective

Regional Co-chairman shall communicate directly with the Lodge Chairman. (g) Expense Allowance. An appropriation, not to exceed two-hundred dollars ($200.00)

annually, shall be made to defray necessary expenses of the committee for printing, stationery, postage, telephone calls, etc.

(3) California Visual Research. The Committee on Visual Research is a joint committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. The Committee shall consist of a State Co-chairmen


and State Vice-Chairman appointed from among the members of the Grand Lodge by the Grand Master-elect, and a State Co-chairmen and State Vice-chairman appointed from among the members of the Rebekah Assembly by the Rebekah Assembly President-elect. The Grand Master-elect and Rebekah President-elect shall appoint a regional co-chairman from among the members of their respective Grand Bodies residing in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction, as outlined and defined by the Grand Lodge. It shall be the duty of the state co-chairmen and vice-chairmen to represent the Grand Lodge as active members of the California Visual Research Foundation, Incorporated, in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of that organization. They shall also conduct a Visual Research workshop at the annual Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly sessions, and may conduct other workshops as they deem appropriate. (It is anticipated that after a successful term as vice-chairman, the vice-chairmen will be appointed state chairmen.)

This committee shall be further augmented by District Chairmen appointed by their respective District Deputy Grand Masters and District Deputy Presidents. The regional co-chairmen and district chairmen shall work with and assist the state co-chairmen in the promotion and development of the Visual Research Program in their respective regions of this jurisdiction.

(4) Convention. (a) The Convention Committee shall consist of three Grand Lodge Directors, the Grand

Secretary, and five addition members of the Grand Lodge, at least two of whom shall be current or former Convention Committee members. At least two of the three other members appointed from the Grand Lodge shall have had experience as a committee chairman, co-chairman, or subcommittee chairman of a convention committee for a Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly session. The Grand Master-elect shall also appoint three Rebekah Sisters after consultation with the President-elect of the Rebekah Assembly. At least two of the Rebekah Sisters appointed shall have had previous experience as a co-chairman or sub-committee chairman of a local convention committee for a Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly session.

(b) The committee shall select their own chairman, vice-chairman and secretary, and if necessary, a treasurer who shall be a Grand Lodge Director.

(c) The committee shall secure sites, and accommodations and make arrangements necessary for the annual session of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly, or oversee and coordinate the activities of a local convention committee. These arrangements shall include but not be limited to: program printing, publicity prior and during the session, registration, and coordination of social activities.

(d) The committee shall also determine: (i) the adequacy, proximity, availability and cost of meeting facilities; preference shall be

given to facilities that can accommodate the representatives to the Grand Lodge in a classroom seating arrangement;

(ii) the availability, suitability and cost of hotel, motel, and recreation vehicle parking/hookup facilities within a reasonable distance of the convention site; the committee shall secure a written guarantee of the cost for such housing;

(iii) the availability and adequacy of restaurants within a reasonable distance of the convention site and housing;

(iv) the availability, adequacy, security, location and cost of parking facilities. (e) The committee shall secure the assistance of local lodges and encourage the participation

of such local lodge members as may be available and necessary to assist in the convention planning and organizing, and during the annual session of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.


(f) The committee shall make interim reports to The Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (5) Disaster. The Disaster Committee is a Joint Committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah

Assembly. (a) This committee shall consist of a regional co-chairman appointed by the Grand Master-

elect and a regional co-chairman appointed by the Rebekah President-elect in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction, as outlined and defined by the Grand Lodge. Each member shall serve a term of up to three years, aligned so that at least one term, and as near as possible a like number of terms, shall expire each year.

(b) The committee shall select a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary, from its members during its annual meeting held in conjunction with the annual Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly sessions. Said committee officers shall constitute an executive board with full authority to act immediately to evaluate all cases of need arising from a major disaster.

(c) District Deputy Grand Masters and District Deputy Presidents shall act as the contact person in their respective districts and shall assist any member in their district who has suffered a disaster as defined in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph to reach their area chairman.

(d) To be considered a major disaster, one or more dwellings must have been rendered uninhabitable or destroyed in a single occurrence. Such damage may be caused by fire, storm, flood, earthquake, explosion or some similar catastrophe.

(e) Only members of the Order whose primary place of residence shall have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by a major disaster shall be eligible to receive assistance from the Grand Lodge Disaster Fund.

(f) Each member of the committee is authorized through the chairman to, request disbursement by the Grand Treasurer from the Grand Lodge Disaster Fund, up to twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500) to each qualified family during a single disaster if such expenditure is warranted; if more assistance is needed for one or more families, the executive board of the committee or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors may authorize additional assistance.

(g) The joint committee, except as provided in sub-paragraph (e) above, shall have complete control of all disbursements from the Disaster Fund, and shall submit written reports of their activities as provided in paragraph ( 1) of this Section.

(h) The Disaster Fund shall be funded through donations and per-capita tax. Should the cash balance of the fund be below $100,000.00 at the time of the annual Grand Lodge session, a Disaster Fund per-capita tax assessment of not more than twenty-five cents (25¢) per assessable member shall be levied each year until the fund balance is not less than $100,000.00.

(6) Good Fellowship. The Good Fellowship Committee is a joint committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. The Grand Master-elect shall, annually, appoint from the members of the Grand Lodge, a State Co-chairman and a Regional Co-chairman in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction as outlined and defined by Grand Lodge. The Assembly President-elect shall, annually, appoint from the members of the Rebekah Assembly a State Co-chairman and a Regional Co-chairman in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction as outlined and defined by the Grand Lodge. The committee shall work to promote:

(a) visitations and joint activities among Odd Fellow Lodges and Rebekah Lodges, and between Lodge Districts and/or Lodge Areas;

(b) visitations and activities between Odd Fellow Lodges, Rebekah Lodges, and local units of other fraternal, and community service organizations;

(c) public presentations through sanctioned public Good fellowship Nights.


The co-chairmen should reside in the same geographical area and be selected well in advance of the annual Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly session. They shall jointly develop a State Good fellowship Program with one theme approved by both the Grand Master-elect and President-elect, and be prepared to jointly conduct a workshop on that program at the annual session.

This joint committee shall be supplemented by the appointment of a District Chairman in each Odd Fellow Lodge District by each District Deputy Grand Master and each Rebekah Lodge District by each District Deputy President, and a Lodge Chairman appointed by each Noble Grand.

(7) Grand Lodge Youth. The Grand Lodge Youth Committee shall consist of one State Chairman, appointed to a three year term by the Grand Master, a regional chairman in each of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction as outlined and defined by the Grand Lodge, appointed to three year terms on a rotating basis previously established, and one Grand Junior Odd Fellow Lodge member elected by the Grand Junior Lodge each year with full voice and vote. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden and Grand Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the committee with voice and vote. One duly elected and documented representative from each active Junior Lodge shall be eligible to attend any Youth Committee meetings with voice but no vote.

Should the number of regions be changed or the region boundaries be realigned by the Grand Lodge, the terms of the regional chairman shall be adjusted accordingly so that at least one and as near as possible a like number of terms expire each year.

(a) The committee shall work with the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee relative to the coordination and supervision of activities involving Junior Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in California; and shall also perform the duties specified in Chapters XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, and XXIII, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and Chapters XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, and XXX of this Code.

(b) In order to maintain a sound operation of the vast training program the committee is engaged in, it is necessary to require that committee members who do not actively participate in the youth training program and who do not hold the required advisory meetings, shall be removed from the committee by the Grand Master, upon recommendation of a majority of the committee, unless such member can produce a valid excuse prior to the vote on removal.

(c) Mileage shall be available to the members of the committee from committee funds, in such amounts and under such circumstances as set forth in Chapter III – 36, Section 16 (B) (C), of this Code.

(d) The chairman from the Grand Lodge Joint Youth Committee and the Chairman from the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee shall be Ex-officio members of the Grand Bodies joint Planning Board, attend the meetings and their report to their Grand Body shall include any business that may be of interest pertaining to the Youth.

(e) This committee, when acting jointly with the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee, shall be known as the "California Joint Youth Committee." The meetings of this committee shall be open to all members of the Order.

(f) The State Chairman of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee and the State Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly may each appoint from the adult members of their respective Youth Committee, a sub-committee called the "Youth Promotional Committee". This sub-committee shall not exceed ten in number, with a maximum of five members from the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee. This sub-committee shall work with and assist the District Deputy Grand Masters and District deputy Presidents in developing Junior Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in their respective districts. The goal is to establish


one or more Junior Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in each district with each Lodge in the District acting as a sponsor or co-sponsor by giving both financial and manpower support.

(g) This Committee may maintain a dedicated account, for Youth Promotion and Service, of no more than $10,000.00 dollars, at no cost to the this Grand Body, but will report statements quarterly to the Grand Secretary.

(h) This committee shall establish a fund of $5,000 to be used as operational cost for the Youth Honors Program (These funds not to be derived from per capita tax). The fund to be raised from donations by Lodges and individuals, and to be maintained by the Grand Secretary and disbursed by voucher system approved by the Joint Youth Committee chairman.

(i) United Youth Group. The United Youth Group as established by Sovereign Grand Lodge shall be chartered by Grand Lodge of California and shall be under the supervision of the Grand Lodge - Rebekah Assembly Joint Youth Committee.

(8) Odd Fellow Rebekah Youth Education and United Nations Tour. The Odd Fellow and Rebekah Youth Education and United Nations Tour Committee is a joint committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. The Grand Master-elect shall, annually appoint from the members of the Grand Lodge, a State Co-director and a regional co-chairman in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction as outlined and defined by Grand Lodge. The Assembly President-elect shall, annually appoint from the members of the Rebekah Assembly, a State Co-director and a regional co-chairman in each half of the several geographical regions in this jurisdiction as outlined and defined by the Grand Lodge. The term of appointment shall begin September 1, following appointment and shall expire the following August 31, as required by Sovereign Grand Lodge law.

(a) The State Co-directors shall: (i) act as the jurisdictional coordinators for the Sovereign Grand Lodge/International

Association of Rebekah Assemblies United Nations Pilgrimage Program and shall coordinate activities in. this jurisdiction with the Executive Secretary of the SGL-IARA Youth Committee; and

(ii) conduct a workshop on the program at the annual Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly sessions.

(b) The Committee shall organize, and supervise the Youth Education and United Nations Pilgrimage Program in this jurisdiction;

The committee shall be augmented with a district chairman appointed by each District Deputy Grand Master and each District Deputy President, and a lodge chairman appointed by each Noble Grand. The lodge chairmen shall work with local high schools to secure active participation in the program by eligible students.

(9) Grand Lodge Auditing Committee (Committee reassigned from a Joint Committee to a Grand Lodge Committee in 2007)

F. Special Committees. (1) Definitions.

(a) "Special Grand Lodge Committee" shall mean a special committee composed of members of the Grand Lodge appointed by the Grand Master or Grand Master-elect.

(b) "Special Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Committee" shall mean the same as a Special Grand Lodge Committee, except that the committee shall also include Rebekah sisters appointed by the Grand Master or Grand Master-elect.

(c) "Special Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Committee" shall mean the same as a Special Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Committee, except that the Rebekah sisters shall be appointed by the Rebekah Assembly President or President-elect, and that the committee shall also report to the President and/or the Rebekah Assembly.


(2) Creation. Special Grand Lodge Committees shall only be created: (a) upon written resolution adopted by a two-thirds majority vote by the working members

present and voting at a session of the Grand Lodge; or (b) by the Grand Master or Grand Master-elect, upon his own initiative.

(3) Purpose. Special or other committees shall only be appointed by either the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors to perform tasks falling outside the responsibility of all the permanent committees, jurisdictional committees or joint jurisdictional committees of the Grand Lodge as established by this code.

(4) Qualifications. Unless otherwise specified in the authorizing resolution: (a) members of Special Committees shall meet the same qualifications as members of Grand

Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees specified in Section 14 – E (1), above; and

(b) chairmen of Special Committees shall meet the same qualifications as chairmen of Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees specified in Section 14 – E (1), above.

(5) Meetings. Unless otherwise specified in the authorizing resolution, the initial meeting of any Special Committee shall be held within 60 days after the appointment of the committee, and thereafter, as frequently as the authorizing resolution shall specify or, in the absence of any such directive, as often as the committee shall agree.

(6) Reports. Unless otherwise specified in the authorizing resolution, the committee chairman shall submit:

(a) an initial report on the work of the committee to the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors no later than 60 days after the appointment of the committee;

(b) interim reports every 60 days after the initial report; and (c) a final report no later than the annual Grand Lodge session.

(7) Termination. All Special Committees shall cease to exist upon submission of their final report to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master, or at the close of the annual session during the term appointed, whichever comes first.

(8) Re-authorization. (a) A special Jurisdictional or Joint Jurisdictional committee shall not extend beyond the term

appointed unless: (i) the committee is re-authorized upon written resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote at the

annual Grand Lodge session; or (ii) the original resolution specified a termination date during a subsequent term; a

resolution to create a special committee which shall extend beyond the term of appointment shall specify a termination date, not to exceed three years beyond initial appointment.

(b) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution re-authorizing a special committee, re-authorized special committees shall comply with the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of this Section.

(c) The chairman of any special Grand Lodge committee who fails to file a final (end-of-term) report shall not be reappointed to that committee if such committee is re-authorized.

G. Sub-committees of Committees. (1) Generally. The chairmen (directors or coordinators) of permanent and special committees

may appoint from among the committee members such sub-committees as they deem necessary. Sub-committees shall:

(a) operate only pursuant to written guidelines approved by the parent committee; (b) operate only within the scope of the parent committee;


(c) not engage in any activities assigned to another permanent or special (d) committee; and be subject to the same meeting and reporting requirements as specified for

special committees in Section 14-F, above. (e) be subject to the same meeting and reporting requirements as specified for special

committees in Section 14-F, above. Section. 15. Revenues.

A. Assessments. (1) The revenues needed for the Grand Lodge operational expenses for the current year, as

projected by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors at the annual session, shall be assessed upon each Odd Fellow Lodge in proportion to the number of ‘Dues Paying’ members on the lodge’s roster as of December 31st of each year. Such assessments shall be due and payable by the lodges on January 1st and July 1st or if desired maybe be paid in full for the entire year on January 1st. The funds along with the Annual Report shall be sent to the Grand Lodge office for proper verification and credit.

(2) Equal Assessments. The semiannual payment of ‘Dues Paying member assessments shall be approximately equal in amount.

(3) Exemptions. Members exempt from Grand Lodge operating assessments are as specified in the Constitution of Odd Fellow Lodges and Chapter IV – 3, Section 7, of this Code.

Section. 16. Compensation. A. Salaries and Wages.

(1) Grand Secretary. The Grand Secretary shall be entitled to receive such annual salary and benefits as may be approved by the Grand Lodge at its annual session.

(2) Other employees. Bona fide employees of the Grand Lodge shall receive such monthly salary or hourly wage and benefits as may be determined by the Board of Directors and approved by the Grand Lodge at its annual session.

B. Travel Allowances. (1) Grand Master. The Grand Master shall be granted such annual travel allowance(s) as may

be approved by the Grand Lodge at its annual session. No payments of such travel allowances will be made until Vouchers have been submitted for expenses incurred equal to or in excess of the allowances claimed.

(a) Other Officers, Committees. Other Grand Lodge Officers, Grand Lodge Directors and Committees of the Grand Lodge may be allowed such travel expense as may be approved by the Grand Lodge at its annual session. No payments of such travel allowances will be made until Vouchers have been submitted for expenses incurred equal to or in excess of the allowance claimed.

(b) Grand Lodge Youth Committee. Mileage and Per diem shall be allowed and charged against the funds of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee as follows:

(c) The Grand Ruler. Shall be entitled to ten cents per mile, one way, based on the shortest distance from his Junior Lodge to the site of the annual Grand Lodge session; he shall also be entitled to such amount per diem, for each days attendance at the annual Grand Lodge session, not to exceed six days, as shall have been approved by the Grand Lodge at its preceding annual session;

(d) The State Chairman and Area Chairmen of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee. Shall be entitled to mileage reimbursement at the rate of twenty cents per mile, one way, as follows: 1982 - 138

(i) The State Chairman. Shall be entitled to reimbursement for mileage traveled exclusively for required official attendance at functions relative to his capacity as chairman of the committee.

(ii) Area Chairmen. Shall be entitled to reimbursement for mileage traveled relative to


attendance at no more than six designated committee meetings during a year. (iii) No mileage. Will be paid to any committee member attending a designated business

meeting in his home area. (iv) Mileage. Paid shall not exceed the amount budgeted for the year.

C. Reimbursement. (1) May Receive. Officers and Committees of the Grand Lodge may be reimbursed for actual,

necessary expenses related to their official duties as may be approved by the Grand Lodge and/or the Board of Directors. Such reimbursement shall not exceed the amount budgeted or approved by the Grand Lodge at its annual session.

D. Retirement Fund. (1) Persons, including the Grand Secretary, who complete ten (10) years of continuous, non-

temporary employment as a bona fide employee of the Grand Lodge shall become vested in the Grand Lodge retirement program. Vested persons shall be entitled to receive a pension from the Grand Lodge upon retirement or upon reaching age sixty-five (65), whichever comes later. The pension shall be payable monthly. The monthly payment shall be equal to a specified percentage of the gross salary received during the last year of employment, divided by twelve . The percentage shall be as specified in the Grand Lodge Vestment Schedule.

Vestment Schedule Total Years ServicePercentage of Gross Annual Salary 10 Years and less than 11 10% 11 Years and less than 12 12% 12 Years and less than 13 14% 13 Years and less than 14 16% 14 Years and less than 15 18% 15 Years and over Maximum 20%

Funding shall be derived from interest and dividends on the principal amount in the Retirement Fund and, if necessary, a per capita tax assessment included in the annual Grand Lodge Budget on recommendation by the Board of Directors.

This Fund shall be reviewed periodically and a report shall be included in the Annual Financial Report of the Grand Lodge of California.

NOTE: E. Administrative fund for Board of Directors Committee on Grand Lodge and Subordinate

Properties. (1) This Fund shall be used to repay expenses incurred by Committee Representatives while

performing duties incurred during the negotiation, preparation of documents and closing of an Escrow sale on real property as delegated to the Property Committee, and for the liquidation of, or assistance to, subordinate bodies in buying, selling, or leasing of real property.

(2) Income for this fund shall be provided by exacting a charge to any and all accounts, so authorized, consisting of an amount of not more than ten percent (10%) of the amount of funds received from the transaction.

(3) Funds, as so provided, shall be deposited to a special fund, under the administrative authority of the Board of Directors, and any payments from thereto shall only be ordered upon the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section. 17. Subordinate Units. A. Odd Fellow Lodges.

(1) Amendment of Constitution. The Constitution of Odd Fellow Lodges may be amended by


submitting a bill at a regular session of the Grand Lodge. The bill shall set forth the proposed amendment in the manner prescribed in Chapter III – 38, Section 18, of this Code. The bill shall be laid over until the next annual session of the Grand Lodge, when further amendment or alteration of such bill may be proposed and acted upon. If the bill, as fully amended, receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the working members present, it shall be adopted.

(2) Urgency. If an emergency shall exist, the Grand Lodge may, by a three-fourths vote of the members present, adopt an amendment at the same session at which it was proposed, providing it lay over for at least one day and an urgency clause be attached to the bill.

B. Rebekah Assembly. (1) Grand Lodge Authority. The Grand Lodge grants to the Rebekah Assembly the right to

enact and construe its own laws and actions, subject to Code and Ritual compliance review by the Grand Lodge.

(2) The Grand Master is the legislative authority for the Rebekah Assembly. C. Generally.

(1) Interpret Laws. The Grand Lodge shall approve all decisions and interpretations of law made by subordinate Grand Bodies, or the heads of such subordinate Grand Bodies for same to remain in effect.

ARTICLE II STANDING RULES

Section. 18. Laws of the Grand Lodge and Subordinate Units.

A. Bills: Format, Presentation and Enactment. (1) Bills. All proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or the Code of

California Odd Fellow Laws, including the Constitution of any unit under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall be presented to the Grand Lodge in bill form.

(2) Format. (a) All bills presented to the Grand Lodge shall be printed or typewritten in 10 or 12 pitch type,

on a Bill Form supplied by the Grand Lodge, or on white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. (b) Bills shall begin with a brief title, followed by the enacting clause, "Be It Enacted By The

Grand Lodge of California:". If the bill is complex, an impartial summary of the bill may be inserted after the title and before the enacting clause.

(c) A bill shall reference the Chapter, article and/or section of the Chapter, and if applicable, the Section(s), and/or paragraph(s), and/or sub-paragraphs, page number located at the bottom of each page, of the Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws to be enacted, amended or repealed.

(d) A bill shall contain only one subject; and shall reference all Code paragraphs, and/or sub-paragraphs, and/or sections or Sections to be enacted, amended or repealed which are necessary for the bill to become effective.

(e) Each bill shall be signed in a legible manner by its maker(s) and shall include the maker's lodge number.

(3) Who May Propose. Bills may be proposed by: (a) an Odd Fellow Lodge in good standing in this jurisdiction; the bill shall be submitted under

seal of the lodge, attested by the signatures of the Noble Grand and Secretary, and shall indicate the date the action was approved by the lodge;

(b) a representative to the Grand Lodge; the bill shall identify the maker as a representative to the Grand Lodge;


(c) an elective officer of the Grand Lodge; the bill shall identify the office; (d) a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California; the bill shall identify the maker as a

Past Grand Master; (e) a majority of an elected board of directors operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand

Lodge; the bill shall indicate the title of the board and shall pertain to a matter falling within the board's purview; or

(f) a majority of a duly appointed committee of the Grand Lodge; the bill shall indicate the title of the committee and shall pertain to a matter falling within the committee's purview.

(g) A minority of a board or committee may propose a substitute bill under the same rules for any other bill, except the substitute bill shall identify the bill which the minority members intend their bill to be substituted for.

(4) Regular Bills. (a) All regular bills to be presented to the Grand Lodge shall be submitted to the Grand

Secretary by April 1st prior to the annual Grand Lodge sessions so they can be copied and mailed to all Odd Fellow Lodges in good standing no later than April 5th, and printed in the Advance Proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

(b) Any regular bill submitted after April 1st shall be printed in the Advance Proceedings and will be assigned immediately after the close of the first day of the annual session for consideration and report at the current annual Grand Lodge session.

(5) Emergency Bills. (a) Emergency bills may be submitted at any time by a two-thirds majority of:

(i) a permanent committee of the Grand Lodge or duly appointed special committee; the bill shall pertain to a matter falling within the committee's preview; or

(ii) a board of directors operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge; the bill shall pertain to a matter falling within the board's purview.

(iii) If an emergency bill is submitted after the deadline specified in paragraph ( 4) above, and before the annual Grand Lodge session, the bill shall not be printed or assigned unless a majority of the Committee on Judiciary votes to accept the bill for printing and assignment; or

(iv) If an emergency bill is submitted at the annual Grand Lodge session, the bill shall be referred to the Committee on Judiciary. If the committee determines that an emergency does exist, they shall make an oral report to the Grand Lodge giving a brief explanation of the contents of the bill and the nature of the emergency. If the Grand Lodge, upon hearing the report, votes by a two-thirds majority to accept the bill, the bill shall be assigned and printed.

(A) All emergency bills shall contain an urgency clause. (B) All emergency bills shall be submitted in triplicate. (C) When assigned, a copy shall be immediately forwarded to the assigned committee(s)

for review and report. (D) Emergency bills may be acted upon at the session presented, provided they have laid

over at least one day after being printed and distributed. (6) Amendments. Bills may be amended, but no amendment shall be considered which changes

the original intent or purpose of the bill. (7) Vote Required.

(a) No regular bill to amend the laws of the Grand Lodge or laws pertaining to units under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge shall become law unless two-thirds of the working members of the Grand Lodge present and voting shall vote in its favor.


(b) No emergency bill to amend the laws of the Grand Lodge or laws pertaining to units under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge shall become law unless three-fourths of the working members of the Grand Lodge present and voting shall vote in its favor.

(c) The number or percentage of affirmative votes required, by the working members of the Grand Lodge present and voting, to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or the constitution of any unit subordinate to the Grand Lodge shall be as specified in the specific constitution the bill is seeking to amend.

(8) Bill Preparation Assistance. A person or persons qualified to submit legislation to the Grand Lodge may obtain assistance from the Grand Lodge Legislative Counsels in the proper preparation of bills to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or any provision of this Code of California Odd Fellow Laws. Such requests shall be submitted, prior to April 1, in writing directly to either Grand Lodge Legislative Counsel, who are the chairman and vice-chairman of the Committee on Legislation. The request shall state the nature of the proposed legislation including the proposed wording. The Legislative Counsel will see that such bills are properly drafted but will not pass upon or make recommendations on the advisability of the proposed legislation.

(9) Rebekah Legislation. (a) All bills submitted to the Rebekah Assembly sixty days prior to the annual Grand Lodge

session, proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or changes to the Code of California Odd Fellows laws shall, at the time submitted, be printed and ten copies mailed to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge for distribution as follows, five copies for the Committee on Rebekah Legislation, two copies for the Committee on Assignments, one copy for the Printing Committee and two copies for the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge.

(b) All emergency bills submitted to the Rebekah Assembly proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or changes to the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws shall, at time submitted, be printed and delivered to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge as follows: ten copies for distribution as stated in paragraph (9) (a) above.

(c) In addition, a copy of such bills shall be submitted to the Grand Lodge, in a timely manner, on the computer media compatible with the Grand Lodge's computer system and programs.

(d) Upon report by the Grand Lodge Committee on Rebekah Legislation that the bill(s) are in code compliance the Grand Master will cause to be placed his signature thereon and submit to the Grand Lodge office for proper certification and distribution by the Grand Secretary to the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Section. 19. Rules of Order. A. Annual Session.

(1) Hours of Session. The hours of the regular session of this Grand Lodge shall be from 9:00A.M. on the First Day, until 1:00 P.M. on the last day of the session, or until the close of business, with special hours or sessions as may be ordered.

(2) Opening (a) The Junior Past Grand Master shall call the members to order; (b) The Grand Officers shall enter and assume their stations; (c) The Grand Secretary shall call the roll; (d) The Grand Color Bearer shall present the flag of our country; (e) The Grand Chaplain shall address The Supreme Ruler of the Universe; (f) Proclamation shall be made by the Deputy Grand Master of the opening of the Grand

Lodge. (3) Order of Business.


(a) First Day. Nomination of officers shall be the first order of business following the noon recess followed by receipt of invitations from cities desiring to host future sessions.

(i) The Grand Secretary shall present, and if required read, the credentials of members. (ii) The Credentials Committee shall report on the eligibility of members. (iii) Candidates for the Grand Lodge Degree shall be admitted and the Degree conferred. (iv) Close the session in the Grand Lodge Degree and open in the Third Degree. (v) A brief orientation to the procedures of this Grand Lodge may be presented annually by

person selected to do so by the Grand Master. (vi) The record of all special sessions shall be read, and acted on by the Grand Lodge. (vii) Vacancies in committees and among appointed officers shall be filled. (viii) In session appointments shall be made. (ix) The reports of the Grand Lodge Officers shall be presented. (x) Petitions, communications, appeals, and financial accounts shall be presented, and

referred. (xi) Business held over from the previous session shall be acted on. (xii) Reports of committees. (xiii) Miscellaneous Business.

(b) Second Day. The election of officers shall be the first order of business following the noon recess followed by the selection of future convention site(s).

(i) Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous day. (ii) Reception and reference of credentials, reports thereon and admission of new members. (iii) Consideration and action on daily proceedings. (iv) Presentation and action on the final draft of the budget, if there be no bills, etc. that

require funding. (v) Miscellaneous Business. (vi) Noon recess. (vii) Talk, not to exceed three minutes, by each eligible candidate for the office of Grand

Warden, relative to his or her thoughts and plans for the benefit of the Order. (viii) Appoint tellers. (ix) Election of officers. (x) Selection of future convention site(s). (xi) If necessary any pending business.

(c) Third Day or Last Day: Close the Grand Lodge in the Third Degree and open in the Grand Lodge Degree prior to closing. A motion to close the session shall be in the following form: "That when the Grand Lodge adjourns this day, this annual session shall stand adjourned sine die".

(i) Reading and approval of the minutes of the preceding day. (ii) Reception and reference of credentials, and admission of new members. (iii) Finalize consideration and action on daily proceedings. (iv) The appointment and approval of Appointive Officers and Committees along with the

approval of the Incoming Grand Master's program. (v) Should there not be a public Installation of Officers, the Officers shall be installed and

the District Deputy Grand Masters are to receive their commissions. (vi) Close the session. (vii) The minutes of the last day of the session shall be approved by the Board of Directors

and a copy shall be sent to each Odd Fellow Lodge as soon as possible. B. Generally.


(1) Seating. Representatives shall be seated in one section, Past Grands and visitors in another, so that votes of the representatives may be properly counted. This does not deny Past Grands their right to vote for Grand Lodge officers or the future convention site(s).

(2) Decorum. (a) No member shall be admitted to, or be allowed to remain in, the Grand Lodge unless

clothed in the appropriate regalia, (b) The Grand Master shall preserve order and decorum. (c) Officers and members shall be decorous and remain seated during the session; and no one

shall enter or leave without consent of the Grand Master; (d) No member shall interrupt the business of the Grand Lodge or refuse to obey the chair, (e) Each officer and member shall be designated in discussion by his proper office or title.

(3) Of the Chair, Presiding Officer. (a) The Grand Master, while presiding shall state every question coming before the Grand

Lodge, and immediately before putting a question to "shall ask, "Is the Grand Lodge ready for the Question?" Should no member rise to speak, he shall rise to put the question; and after he has risen, no member shall be permitted to speak.

(b) He shall pronounce the votes and decisions of the Grand Lodge on all subjects. (c) His decisions on questions of order shall be without debate, unless entertaining doubts on

the point, he invite it. (d) He shall have the privilege of speaking only on questions of order when occupying the

Chair. (e) When his decision has been appealed, the question shall be put thus, "Will the Grand

Lodge sustain the Chair in its decision?" (4) Of Debate.

(a) Only working members of the Grand Lodge shall have the right to speak without permission of the Grand Lodge.

(b) Every member, when he speaks or offers a motion, shall rise and respectively address the Chair.

(c) Every member given permission to speak by the Chair or the Grand Lodge shall identify himself, giving both his name and the name and number of his lodge.

(d) While speaking, each member shall confine himself to the questions under debate, avoiding all personality and indecorous language, as well as any reflections upon the Grand Lodge or its members.

(e) Should two or more members rise to speak at the same time, the Chair shall decide which shall be entitled to the floor.

(f) If the Grand Lodge is meeting in facilities with a sound amplification system, no member shall be recognized unless he approaches a microphone.

(g) No member shall interrupt or disturb another in his speech, unless to call him to order for words spoken.

(h) If a member shall be called to order while speaking, he shall, at the request of the Chair, cease speaking and take his seat until the question of order is determined, when, if permitted, he may again proceed.

(i) No member shall speak more than once on the same question until all members wishing to speak shall have had an opportunity to do so, nor shall a member speak more than twice without permission of the Chair.

(j) A member who is not a working member of the Grand Lodge, may be allowed to speak upon two-thirds approval of the working members.

(k) On an appeal from the decision of the Chair a question is debatable.


(5) Presenting Committee Reports. When applicable, each committee report shall be prefaced by reference to the subject document reported on (i.e. bill, resolution, recommendation, etc.) noting subject, page number and day of the proceedings where the subject appears in print, so the members may readily refer back to the subject document when necessary.

(6) Adverse Reports. When the committee cannot recommend passage of the subject (i.e. Resolution, Bill, Recommendation, etc.) they shall report as follows: We, the committee, have examined the subject but cannot recommend its passage. We, therefore, recommend that the subject be placed on its own passage.

(7) Other Presentations. When any communication, petition or memorial is presented, before it is read or any vote taken on it, a brief statement of its contents shall be made by the introducer or the Chair; and after it has been read, a brief notice of the report shall be entered on the journal.

(8) Amendments and Substitutes. (a) No more than two amendments to a proposition shall be entertained at the same time; that

is, an amendment to an amendment; and the question shall be taken on the latter. (b) When a substitute is adopted, in the place of an amendment, it is not necessary to take

action on the amendment,. (c) The previous question can be called for by two members, and, if seconded by a majority,

shall be put in this form, "Shall the main question be now put?" If carried, all debate shall cease, and the vote shall be taken on all pending motions in their proper order.

(d) After a substitute has been accepted by the Grand Lodge, in place of the report the committee, further action on the committee report would be out of order without first reconsidering the vote by which the substitute was adopted.

(9) Questions and Votes. (a) No motion shall be subject to action until seconded, and stated by the Chair; and at the

desire of any member the motion shall be reduced to writing. (b) No vote shall be taken on any motion without a slight explanation of the contents of the

proposed action first being made by the Chair, the Grand Secretary, the one introducing the subject in question, the committee making the report, or someone familiar with the proposed action, so that the working members may vote intelligently on all proposed actions.

(c) Past Grands, who are not working members of the Grand Lodge, have no right to vote upon a question before the Grand Lodge; that right is confined to those who are credentialed as working members by the Committee on Credentials.

(d) Unless otherwise specified, votes shall be by aye’s and no’s. (e) On the call for ayes and no’s, the working members present are entitled to but one vote

each; officers of the Grand Lodge, who by the Constitution are entitled to, and as such do vote in the Grand Lodge, cannot also vote as representatives.

(f) The Grand Master or any working member may call for a standing vote if the vote by ayes and no’s is in doubt.

(g) One-fifth of the working members present may call for a roll call vote, if the standing vote is in doubt.

(h) When a roll call is ordered, the names of the representatives shall be called by lodges, thereafter the remaining working members shall be called.

(i) When a question is before the Grand Lodge, no motion shall be received, unless to: 1) adjourn; 2) put the previous question; 3) lay on the table; 4) postpone indefinitely; 5) postpone to a time certain; 6) refer; or 7) amend, and each shall have precedence in the order herein arranged, the first three of which shall be decided without debate.

(j) Any motion that shall postpone an action until the next annual session shall be debatable.


(k) Every working member present shall vote on each question before the Grand Lodge, unless he is personally interested in the result, or has been excused by the Grand Lodge, or is otherwise incapacitated.

(l) After any question, except one of indefinite postponement has been decided, any two members who voted in the majority may, during the same annual session, move for a reconsideration thereof.

(m) Unless otherwise specified, a majority vote of the working members present shall prevail. Section. 20. Miscellaneous Rules.

A. Generally. (1) Appropriations of Money.

(a) Officers, committees and others requesting items to be funded in the succeeding Grand Lodge budget, should submit their requests in writing to the Board of Directors by April 1st.

(b) Any request for funds made after April 1st, shall be submitted to the annual Grand Lodge Session in the form of a written Budget Resolution.

(c) No request for funding may be considered by the Grand Lodge unless the item has been included in the preliminary budget submitted by the Board of Directors, or copies of the Funding Resolution have been distributed to each working member present.

(d) No appropriations of money may be approved by the Grand Lodge for any purpose, after the close of business on the next to last day of the session, except by a 4/5 vote of the working members present, for payment of just and legitimate claims relative to the conduct of the annual session, providing that sessional expenses are adequately budgeted for.

(e) Committees shall not receive monies beyond the amount budgeted unless a Resolution is presented and approved at the following session. All other accounts over-expended will require a full report in writing by the Board of Directors at the following session.

(f) Expenditures shall not exceed the amount budgeted. (2) Matters Laid on Table. All bills and resolutions laid on the table, and not acted on before

the close of the session of the Grand Lodge at which they were presented for action, shall expire with the session, and would have to be renewed at a subsequent session before any action could be taken thereon.

(3) Petition, Effect on Action. The reception and reference of a petition to a committee of the Grand Lodge, does not set aside a formal action the Grand Lodge has previously taken on the subject of said petition.

(4) Opening Prayer. The opening prayer of the Grand Chaplain shall be printed in the revised Journal.

(5) Elections. The Grand Lodge will elect officers without regard to previous service in office, and will not as a matter of course advance the Deputy Grand Master to the office of Grand Master or the Grand Warden to the Office of Deputy Grand Master.

(6) Degree. The Grand Warden shall be permitted to confer the Grand Lodge Degree on qualified candidates, one half hour before the scheduled opening on the days(s) specified for nominations and elections.

(7) Visitations. There shall be no visitations by other degrees at the Grand Lodge session, except that:

(a) The Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly may exchange short visits to introduce the newly elected officers if they so desire;

(b) The officers of the Grand Junior Lodge and Theta Rho Assembly may make a short visit on the morning after Youth Night.


(8) Recordings. No member shall be permitted to operate a personal recording device within the hall of the Grand Lodge while the Grand Lodge is in session.

(9) Qualifications for Title Emeritus. Any Grand Lodge Officer or, Director, who has been elected to the same position in this Grand Lodge for 12 or more years and honorably leaves the office, may, by action of the Grand Lodge at regular session be granted the title of Emeritus, with voice and regalia, but no vote. Emeritus office holders will receive no compensation or expenses due their office.

(10) Invitation to Sovereign Grand Master. The Grand Lodge, as a matter of policy, shall extend to the Sovereign Grand Master each year, an invitation to attend our Annual Session, with the invitation to be extended by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors on behalf of the Grand Lodge.

(11) Good Will Messages. Good will messages shall be sent to all past and present Grand Officers not in attendance because of illness.

(12) Unauthorized Invitations. No invitation to any officer or member shall be honored or expenses paid by this Grand Lodge unless said invitation be first approved by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(13) Committee Meetings. Each committee or board of the Grand Lodge to whom assignments have been made, and who still have pending business, shall:

(a) meet daily in announced meetings during the afternoon hours of the annual Grand Lodge session after the Grand Lodge meeting has been adjourned; and

(b) meet at such other times as the committee or board shall deem necessary, or as the Grand Lodge shall direct until their deliberations are complete.

(14) Joint Committee Meetings and Report. When joint assignments have been made by the Committee on Assignment, the full membership of the committees and/or boards do not have to meet jointly, however, selected representatives from each committee and/or board shall meet jointly and if there is concurrence of the committees/boards, they shall submit one joint report to the Grand Lodge.

(15) A third degree member may attend a Grand Lodge session as a visitor under the following conditions:

(a) a member shall present to the Credentials Committee his/her up to date official certificate and a letter from his/her lodge showing that he/she is a scarlet degree (Third Degree) member. Said letter shall be on the Lodges official letterhead stationery under seal of the lodge. If found in order, the visitor would then receive a visitor's badge and the Advance Proceedings.

(b) should the member's lodge be not in good standing with Grand Lodge, the visitors shall not be admitted.

(c) the visitor may not be admitted until the Grand Lodge is open in the Third Degree. (d) visitors shall not have voice or vote. (e) visitors shall not serve as an officer, director of the Grand Lodge.

CONSTITUTION OF ODD FELLOW LODGES IV – 1

CHAPTER IV CONSTITUTION

OF ODD FELLOW LODGES

of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

of California

PREAMBLE For the purpose of effecting uniformity in administration of the privileges, honors and benefits of Odd

Fellowship within the jurisdiction, The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California ordains the following Constitution of Odd Fellow Lodges under its jurisdiction:

ARTICLE I. STRUCTURES AND POWERS

Sec. 1. This Lodge shall consist of five or more members in good standing with at least one qualified to preside and shall be hailed and entitled __ Lodge No. __ of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California holding a legal Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California.

Sec. 2. The Rituals, Constitution, Laws and decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Constitution, Laws and decisions of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California are the laws of this Lodge and all persons, by becoming or continuing as members of this Lodge, consent and agree to acquaint themselves fully with, and abide by the same.

Sec. 3. This Lodge shall have power and authority to adopt, amend or rescind, from time to time as it deems expedient, such By-Laws, Rules, Resolutions, Privileges and Benefits as are consistent with, and do not in any way contravene, the laws and principles of the Order, and which are not otherwise reserved to themselves by the Sovereign Grand Lodge or the Grand Lodge of California.

ARTICLE II. TERMS AND MEETINGS

Sec. 1. The regular term of this Lodge shall be one year, excepting however, the term of this Lodge may be six months if the By-Laws so provide and if the By-Laws also require weekly meetings. All terms shall commence on the first meeting in January and/or July as provided by the By-Laws. All terms shall end on the day the succeeding one commences.

Sec. 2. A quorum is required for the transaction of any business and is constituted as set forth in Chapter V – 3, Article VIII, Section 1, The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 3. This Lodge shall hold scheduled meetings in accordance with its Bylaws as prescribed by the laws of the Order, unless temporarily prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond the control of its members.

This Lodge is authorized to hold Social Meeting each month in accordance with the provisions stated herein. Said Social Meetings shall be at the discretion and call of the Noble Grand. No Social Meeting shall be held on the evening of an Official Visitation by the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, or District Deputy Grand Master unless that officer has specifically approved the same. During a Social Meeting all Ritualistic Work is suspended and the meeting may be opened to the Public. Social Meetings may include, but are not limited to, Dinners; Forums; Invited Guests; Invited Speakers; Prospective Members; Family Members; Entertainment; Educational Presentations and/or Recreational Activities. Lodge members at said Social Meeting may also discuss and vote on planned Social Events and Community Projects and other routine Lodge matters, so long as each such vote is recorded in Minutes and subsequently ratified at the next regular meeting of the Lodge.

IV – 2 CONSTITUTION OF ODD FELLOW LODGES

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Sec. 1. Every candidate for admission to membership in this Lodge must be of good moral character and industrious habits, who believes in The Supreme Being - The Creator and Preserver of the Universe; and every candidate must reside in this jurisdiction except as provided in Chapter III – 1, Section 1 (A) (1), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 2. Every applicant for membership by initiation shall be at least sixteen years of age. Sec. 3. Every applicant for membership by deposit of card or certificate shall be sixteen years of age

or older and free of encumbrance or indebtedness to another Odd Fellow Lodge. Sec. 4. An Odd Fellow meeting the requirements of Section 1 and Section 3 of this Article, may

transfer their membership into this Lodge in the manner set forth in Chapter III – 2, Section 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS AND ELECTION

Sec. 1. Applications for membership shall be in the form required by Chapter III – 3, Section 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter V – 16, Section 2, of this Code.

Sec. 2. Applications shall be submitted and acted upon in the manner specified in Chapter III – 3, Section 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter V – 16, Section 2, of this Code.

Sec. 3. Applications may be for beneficial or non-beneficial membership, as provided by the By-laws of this Lodge.

ARTICLE V. FEES, DUES AND BENEFITS

Sec. 1. Every application for membership into this Lodge shall be accompanied, in full, by all required fees.

Sec. 2. The fee for beneficial or non-beneficial membership into this Lodge by Initiation shall be established by its by-laws, and be not less than fifty dollars per applicant. This lodge shall send ten (10) dollars of each initiation fee to the Grand Lodge Membership Promotion Fund. The remittance shall accompany the next semi-annual report submitted to the Grand Lodge following the initiation.

"Provided however, the fee for admission by Initiation of young men who have attained their eighteenth birthday, but have not reached their thirty-sixth birthday, shall be not less than twenty-five dollars; and the fee for admission by Initiation of a Junior Odd Fellow with three or more years membership in good standing, in a Junior Lodge in good standing, may be ten dollars, if the By-Laws so provide. 1982-121, 150; 1983-151,152

And further provided, the Grand Master may, by proclamation, establish a "Home Coming Month" or "Home Coming Months" during a specified period, within his term of office, when this Lodge may, at its discretion, offer Initiatory membership at a fee of not less than twenty-five dollars.

The membership fee specified in this Section shall include Initiation and also entitle the member to receive Degrees of Friendship, Love and Truth, upon maintenance of good standing and demonstrating an understanding of and proficiency in, the instructions contained in each preceding Degree as provided in Article VI, Section 2, of this Constitution.

Sec. 3. The fee for admission as an Associate Member shall be not less than ten dollars. Sec. 4. The fee for admission of an expelled member shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws

of this Lodge for an initiate of the same age as the applicant. Sec. 5. This Lodge may, by its By-Laws, establish minimum fees for admission to beneficial and/ or

non-beneficial membership by Transfer, or Deposit of Card or Certificate, whether in or out of


date, or Reinstatement after a suspension for non-payment of dues exceeding one year. In no case shall an application for membership by Transfer, Deposit of Card or Certificate or Reinstatement after suspension exceeding one year for nonpayment of dues, be considered unless it is accompanied by an amount equal to one year's dues.

Sec. 6. The annual dues of each contributing member of this Lodge shall be established in the By-Laws and shall be not less than the existing per-capita tax. (a) The annual dues of each contributing member holding their primary membership in this

lodge shall be established in the by-laws and shall be not less than the existing per-capita tax.

(b) The annual dues of each associate member of this lodge shall be as established by its bylaws.

Sec. 7. This Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for additional assessments as permitted by Chapter XXIV – 3, Section 2 (3), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws. Non beneficial and/ or associate Members may be exempted, by By-laws, from any funeral tax or any extraordinary assessments to cover Lodge Expense.

Sec. 8. This Lodge shall provide for non-contributing membership as set forth in Chapter III – 7, Section 9, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and Chapter V – 17, Section 2 (B) (2), of this Code.

Sec. 9. This Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for the payment of stipulated, uniform weekly benefits to any qualifying beneficial member, if such member becomes disabled by sickness or bodily injury to the extent that he is unable to earn a livelihood.

Sec. 10. This Lodge may, by it By-Laws, provide for the payment of stimulated, uniform funeral benefits upon the death of a qualifying beneficial member; and, in addition may, by its By-Laws, provide for the payment of stimulated, uniform funeral benefits upon the death of a qualifying member's wife, widow or child.

Sec. 11. All orders for benefits, aid or relief, or whatever kind, shall be voted upon by this Lodge and paid in accordance with the provisions of Chapter V – 16, Section 12, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter XXII – 1, Section 1 (D), of this Code.

Sec. 12. If this Lodge neglects or refuses to grant stipulated benefits when otherwise due, the aggrieved brother or such other dependent or beneficiary, as may by law be substituted for a deceased brother, may at any time within four weeks thereafter, demand in writing that the Lodge appoint a Committee to investigate the matter, where upon an Investigating Committee of five members shall be appointed to hear the evidence and report the facts and its conclusions to the Lodge. The Investigating Committee and Lodge shall be governed by the laws applicable to Trial Committees appointed to hear charges and shall follow the procedures set forth in Chapter XXX – 8, Section 3, of this Code.

Sec. 13. This Constitution and all laws, rules and regulations of this Lodge and Order relative to the granting of any benefit, aid, or relief are not intended, and shall in no way create the relation of debtor and creditor between any member and the Lodge; nor do they create any legal right, liability or contractual obligation relative to the granting or payment of same by resort to courts of law. The granting or denying of any benefit, aid or relief, in any form whatsoever, to any member or member's wife, widow or child, or to any other person(s) is in the nature of moral obligation and duty rather than a legal responsibility, and therefore lies within the sole jurisdiction of this Lodge and the appellate authorities of this Order. In all cases, the decisions of this Lodge and Order relative to the granting or denying of any benefit, aid or relief of whatever kind shall be conclusive, binding and final upon every member, member's wife, widow or child and all other persons whomsoever.

Sec. 14. This Lodge may provide for Life Membership as set forth in Chapter III – 7, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws; and the fee shall be not less than the fees established in Chapter V – 17, Section (2) (C) (4), of this Code.


ARTICLE VI. DEGREES

Sec. 1. Each candidate elected to membership by Initiation into this Lodge shall be initiated without undue delay. Each member shall be entitled to receive the subsequent degrees in this Lodge, provided however, another Lodge or Degree Lodge may initiate or confer the degree(s) upon written request of the Lodge.

Sec. 2. No Brother may have conferred upon him subsequent degrees, until he has been examined in the Unwritten Work, exemplification of the Sign and the subject matter of the previous degree, the Odd Fellow Grip and the Voting Sign.

Sec. 3. A lodge or a specified degree team may confer two or more degrees to a candidate or candidates at the same meeting. Dispensation shall not be required to conduct multiple degrees at the same meeting.

ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

Sec. 1. The elective and appointive officers of this Lodge shall be those specified in the Ritual and prescribed in Chapter V – B - 5, Section 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws. This Lodge shall elect a Financial Secretary if the By-Laws so provide.

Sec. 2. This Lodge may by its By-Laws, provide for the election of Lodge Trustees in such number and to serve such terms as allowed by Chapter V – 13, Section 1 (L), of this Code.

Sec. 3. Qualifications for office and examinations required for all officers prior to installation shall be as set forth in the Ritual and in Chapter III – 1, Section 1 (A) (1) (a), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and Chapter V – 10, Section 2 (K) and (N) of this Code.

Sec. 4. The Noble Grand-elect and Vice Grand-elect must, in addition to the requirements set forth in Chapter V – 5, Section 1 (G) (1), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, commit to memory and recite in open Lodge, without the use of aids, all secret work in the Odd Fellow Lodge degrees and all charges and instructions pertaining to their respective offices in conferring the Initiation.

ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Sec. 1. Officers and Trustees shall be elected, in the manner provided by law, at the first meeting in November for a term commencing in January and/or the first meeting in May for a term commencing in July.

Sec. 2. Vacancies in office shall be filed in the manner prescribed in Chapter V – 14, Section 1 (P), of this Code.

Sec. 3. This Lodge at the last regular meeting in February of each year shall elect Representatives to the Grand Lodge in accordance with Chapter II Article IV Sec.1.

Sec. 4. On the first regular meeting in November of each year, this Lodge may, at its option, select one of its Past Grands in good standing, whose name shall be presented to the Lodges of this District for endorsement, as District Deputy Grand Master; after which, his name shall be forwarded to the Grand Secretary, not later than the first day of February.

ARTICLE IX. DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

Sec. 1. The duties of the various Officers and Trustees (if the By-Laws so provide) shall be as prescribed in the Ritual(s), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, of this Code, this Constitution and the By-Laws of this Lodge.

Sec. 2. The Outside Guardian, in addition to the duties prescribed in the Ritual, shall assist the Warden in the care of the regalia and Lodge Room.


ARTICLE X. RETURNS

Sec. 1. The officers of this Lodge shall make from time to time and in the form required such returns demanded by the Sovereign Grand Lodge; or the Grand Lodge of California, and as prescribed in Chapter V – 3, Section 1 (C), of this Code.

ARTICLE XI. FUNDS AND PROPERTY

Sec. 1. The Funds of this Lodge shall be held in a Trust Fund and shall be administered as set forth in Chapter XXII – 2, Section 2 (A), of this Code.

Sec. 2. The real and personal property of this Lodge shall be held in trust for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and shall be administered as set forth in Chapter V – 7, Section 1 (H), of this Code.

Sec. 3. This Lodge shall incorporate for the purpose of better enabling it to carry out its purposes and functions, as provided by the Laws of the Grand Lodge and in conformity with the corporation laws of the State of California, and when so incorporated may hold and own property in the name of the corporation and carry on its corporate affairs subject to the maintenance of a legal charter and adherence to the Laws of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California.

Sec. 4. A Lodge upon initial Institution or Reinstitution shall be given a sum of money, not to exceed Twenty-five Hundred ($2,500.00) Dollars from the Grand Lodge Membership Fund in order to provide for their initial financial stability. The Grand Master with concurrence of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors and in conjunction with the actual Institution of said Lodge shall determine the exact sum so that each lodge may have a suitable amount. Further funding would require the Grand Lodge Board of Directors approval.

ARTICLE XII. OFFENSES AND TRIALS

Sec. 1. Neglect or refusal to pay dues, or legally imposed assessments or fines, is an offense against this Lodge and Order.

Sec. 2. Chargeable offenses against this Lodge, Order or members shall be those set forth in Chapter XXXVIII – 2, Section 2 (B), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter XXVI – 1, of this Code.

Sec. 3. Charges against any member of this Lodge shall be preferred and presented to the accused, under seal of the Lodge, in the manner prescribed by law.

Sec. 4. When sufficient charges have been preferred, a Trial Committee shall be appointed, a trial hearing shall be conducted, and Judgment shall be passed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XXXVIII – 5, Section 5, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter XXVI – 1, of this Code.

ARTICLE XIII. PENALTIES AND APPEALS

Sec. 1. The penalty for nonpayment of dues or demands of this Lodge shall be suspension as prescribed in Chapter V – 10, Section 4 (H), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and shall be effected as provided therein and in Chapter V – 20, Section 2 (G), of this Code.

Sec. 2. Any member found, after due trial, to be guilty of a chargeable offense against the Laws of the order, or the Laws of the Land, shall be fined and/or reprimanded, or suspended for cause, or expelled as the Laws of the Order, or the Constitution or By-Laws of this lodge directs, or in the absence of such directive, as the Lodge shall determine.

Sec. 3. An appeal may be taken from an action refusal or neglect of the Lodge within two weeks of such incident, unless a longer period is established by law, by any member or surviving


beneficiary of said member deeming himself or herself aggrieved thereby. All appeals shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law to the Grand Lodge, unless otherwise provided.

Sec. 4. When sufficient charges have been preferred, a Trial Committee shall be appointed, a trial hearing shall be conducted, and Judgment shall be pass accordance with the provision of Chapter XXXVIII – 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter XXVI – 1, of this Code.

ARTICLE XIV. INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT

Sec. 1. When any doubt arises as to the true meaning of Articles, it shall be determined by the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. These articles, or any part thereof, shall not be altered, amended, or annulled, except as provided in Chapter IV – 6 Article XIV, of this Code.

ARTICLE XV. BY-LAWS

Sec. 1. This Lodge shall adopt By-Laws as required by the laws of the Order. Sec. 2. By-Laws shall be adopted, amended or repealed in the manner set forth in Chapter V – 4,

Section 1 (D) (2). of this Code.

ODD FELLOW LODGES V – 1

CHAPTER V ODD FELLOW LODGES

Section. 1. Structure and Powers. A. Charter.

(1) Petitions For. A petition praying for a Charter for a new Odd Fellow Lodge shall be presented in writing to the Grand Lodge, if in session, or to the Grand Secretary for presentation to the Grand Master, when the Grand Lodge is in recess. All petitions shall be filed with the Grand Secretary at least fifteen days prior to the date fixed for instituting a new Lodge and no petition received after the first day of April will be considered without first being submitted to the Grand Lodge at the next regular session. Petitions for Charters shall contain and be accompanied by:

(a) a list of all persons, who desire to form the new Lodge and become charter members. Such list shall contain at least the minimum number of names required by the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and include the rank and Lodge number of petitioning members or former members of the Order, and written applications for membership for those desiring to be initiated. The cards or certificates of members, or a copy thereof, certified by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District, shall accompany the petition:

(b) a statement setting forth what advantage to the Order may be derived by the formation of such new lodge;

(c) the proposed name of the new lodge; and the desired number, if such number is that of an extinct lodge;

(d) a certificate signed by three Past Grands in good standing, specifying the location where the lodge will hold its meeting and certifying that a suitable temple or building has been secured, in which to hold lodge; and,

(e) the required Charter fee specified in Chapter XXII – 1, Section 1 (A), of this Code. (2) Petitions. Where Lodge Already Exists. A petition for a Charter for a new Odd Fellow

Lodge, in a city of less than 100,000 population, where an Odd Fellow Lodge already exists, shall be accompanied by a letter from the existing lodge granting permission to form the new lodge. Such permission may be granted by vote of the established lodge after having laid over one regular meeting. A denial of such permission may be appealed to the Grand Lodge as provided by law.

(3) Review Of Petition. The Grand Lodge, if in session, shall either grant or deny a Charter to the Petitioners. If the Grand Lodge is in recess, the Grand Master shall review the petition and may grant a dispensation to institute and operate until confirmation by the Grand Lodge at the next session.

(4) Institution. The Grand Master or, in his absence, the District Deputy Grand Master or a Past Grand deputized by the Grand Master as a special deputy shall, upon approval of the petition, have the power and authority to institute a new lodge. The instituting officer shall review the list of petitioners and may, upon good reason being shown, remove the name of any of the petitioners. If after review of the list the minimum number required for institution remain, the instituting officer shall institute the lodge with the remaining charter members present and he shall present the Lodge with its Charter or Dispensation and necessary charges and instructions. The Lodge shall pay all necessary expenses of institution.

(5) Associate Members As Petitioners. An Odd Fellow may join in a petition for a new charter for a new lodge as an Associate Member, provided that at least four-fifths of the minimum required number of petitioners be admitted by initiation, card or certificate.

(6) Charter Membership Fees. The charter membership fee for an Odd Fellow Lodge shall be for:

(a) withdrawal Card, in date, $10.00.

V – 2 ODD FELLOW LODGES

(b) expired card or certificate, $20.00. (c) associate Membership, $10.00. (d) initiation, the minimum for any candidate of the same age as required by the Constitution

of Odd Fellow Lodges. (7) Surrender. A Lodge may vote to surrender its charter and effects after a written resolution

for same submitted at a regular meeting and acted upon in the manner prescribed for amending lodge bylaws, providing however the following:

(a) request be submitted to the Grand Lodge for assistance from the Odd Fellows Lodges Redevelopment Committee

(b) a committee of Grand Lodge has performed an audit of all Lodge property, financial records and real property within ninety days of the original request.

(c) if a corporation or corporations shall exist, application shall be made with the State of California for the dissolution within ninety days.

(d) no vote to surrender shall carry, if five or more members object. (e) when a Lodge is considering surrender, it may not reduce its funds, without prior approval

of Grand Lodge. (8) Forfeiture. A Lodge failing to meet for a period in excess of six (6) months, failing to make

returns as required for one year, unlawfully distributing Lodge funds, and having irreconcilable problems among its members, and/or unacceptable financial difficulties, shall become extinct, and the Grand Master shall pick up the Charter and take possession of the assets of the Lodge as provided by law.

(9) Grand Master to Take Charge. When a lodge is suspended or the membership expelled or the lodge otherwise forfeits or surrenders its charter, it shall be the duty of the last installed officers and members having custody of the charter, books, papers, funds and property of the lodge to deliver same, on demand, to the Grand Master or the District Deputy or such Past Grand as may be specially deputized by the Grand Master or authorized by the Grand Lodge to receive same.

(10) Effects and Funds Upon Extinction. When a lodge surrenders its charter or otherwise becomes extinct the Grand Lodge, except for consolidation, shall take possession of all property and funds of the defunct lodge. The Grand Lodge and/or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors will evaluate the future of said property and the feasibility of retaining said property as a rentable income for Grand Lodge or disposing of same. If the sale of the property is recommended, fifteen percent (15%) of all funds not derived from the sale of the real property of the defunct lodge shall be placed in the Grand Lodge Membership Promotion Fund and fifteen percent (15%) into the Odd Fellow - Rebekah Beneficial Fund, and the remainder will be placed into the General Fund.

(11) Restoration of Extinct Lodge. Five or more members of an extinct lodge may apply to the Grand Lodge for restoration of the lodge to fellowship. The application shall contain evidence that all in good standing at the time such lodge became extinct were given ample opportunity to unite in such application. The applicants or such portion thereof as the Grand Lodge shall approve, may be restored to fellowship in said lodge if all delinquent returns are filed and any outstanding assessments paid. The Charter, books, and any paraphernalia of the extinct lodge held by the Grand Lodge shall be restored.

(12) Loss of Charter, Effect on Membership. (a) The members of a Lodge in good standing, whose charter has been surrendered, suspended

or otherwise invalidated by the Grand Lodge shall be automatically transferred to the Grand Jurisdictional Lodge.

(b) Members not in good standing in the lodge at the time it became defunct may become members of this Grand Jurisdictional Lodge by paying such sums as would be required to put the member in good standing.


(c) Dues paid beyond the date the Lodge becomes defunct shall be prorated and paid to the Grand Jurisdictional Lodge.

B. Terms. (1) Begin When. Terms shall begin on the first meeting in January and/or July and be specified

in the by-laws of the lodge. C. Returns.

(1) Prompt Returns. A Lodge, to remain in good standing, shall promptly submit an Annual Report to the Grand Lodge Office when due.

(2) End of Term (Annual) Lodge Report. The officers of record on December 31st, of each year shall no later than February 15th of the following year and prior to the installation of new officers, shall prepare and deliver to the Installing Officer or the Grand Lodge office on forms provided by the Grand Lodge, a completed Annual Report and Grand Lodge Form 990 Questionnaire accompanied by the amount of Per Capita due the Grand Lodge. This report shall include the following:

(a) ALL current Lodge information (mailing and meeting addresses, meeting days and times, and all requested information);

(b) names of the newly elected officers; (c) names of ALL Members of the Lodge, with their degrees attained, and their current

address; (d) names of those members added during the Term either by initiation, transfer or

reinstatement; (e) names of those members deducted during the Term either by suspension, expulsion, death

or transfer; (f) names of Associate members and their current home Lodge affiliation; (g) names of Non-Contributing members and the dates of the Lodge’s action to grant the

request; (h) name of Members buried, widows and families relieved, scholarships or grants given; (i) a complete reconciled Checkbook Summary (Revenues and Expenses) of the Lodge’s

checkbook activity; (j) a complete listing of ALL of the Lodge’s assets (Accounts, Investments, Properties and

Lodge furnishings etc.); (k) an explanation for any ‘Other Revenues’ or ‘Other Expenses’ in excess of $5,000.00; (l) any changes in the legal description of real property and condition of improvements

thereon; (m) ALL monies due the Grand Lodge, including but not limited to:

(i) correct Per Capita Tax; (ii) outstanding Invoices; (iii) current on all Loan or Monthly payments

(n) any such other details as may be required by the Grand Lodge or by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(3) Every Odd Fellows Lodge with an ownership or endowment interest in a cemetery. Every Lodge shall include with their annual reports to the Grand Lodge all information relating to any cemetery under their jurisdiction or control either directly, or indirectly through a Cemetery or Mausoleum Association or any other entity created by an Odd Fellows Lodge. The report shall include the following:

(a) the Form of organization (b) the names of any Trustees, Board or Association officers;


(c) the name and amount of compensation paid to any cemetery officer, trustee, director or manager;

(d) the assets held by the Lodge for the benefit of the cemetery or assets held by the subordinate Cemetery Association or Board;

(e) the acreage of the cemetery; (f) the annual income of the cemetery; (g) the monies owed by the cemetery; and (h) any other information deemed of value to the Order by the Grand Lodge Board of

Directors. (4) Withholding Password. The Grand Master and/or District Deputy Grand Master shall

withhold the passwords until the required Annual Reports are submitted along with the proper Per Capita amount due the Grand Lodge.

(5) Status When Not Submitted. A lodge shall be deemed to be not in good standing if it fails to submit all required reports or pay any amount assessed by any deadline specified in this Section. A lodge that is not in good standing under this paragraph shall not be entitled to the any passwords nor shall it be entitled to send representatives to any Grand Lodge session held while the deficiency exists. This provision does not apply to minor correctable errors on the Annual Report, if the total amount due the Grand Lodge has been paid.

(6) All Lodges shall immediately report to the Grand Secretary ALL changes in their mailing address prior to the effective date.

D. Powers (1) Rules of Order. A Lodge shall determine its own rules of order by bylaw or resolution,

unless otherwise established by law. If no specific rule is in force then Robert's Rules Of Order shall prevail.

(2) Establish By-Laws. (a) A Lodge shall establish By-Laws as provided by the laws of the Order. (b) A lodge must include in its by-laws all compensations, regardless of the source, including

but not limited to gratuities, stipends, and/or salaries provided to the lodge's members, officers and/or trustees.

(3) Adopt, Alter Or Revise By-Laws, Procedure For. A Lodge shall adopt and may amend or revise its By-Laws by an affirmative two-thirds vote of the members present and entitled to vote at a regular legal meeting. The by-law adoption or revision shall become effective only after notification of approval by the Lodges By-Laws Review Committee or on such date subsequent to approval as the resolution so states and only after the following requirements have been met:

(a) a written resolution proposing the adoption, amendment or revision shall have been submitted and read at a regular meeting and read at each subsequent meeting prior to the vote.

(b) a minimum of fourteen days shall elapse between the first reading and the vote. (c) all members of the Lodge shall be notified by written notice stating the nature of the

resolution and the date of the proposed vote. Such notice shall be sent immediately after the first reading and in a manner provided by the bylaws of the Lodge or by first class mail for a new Lodge establishing its first By- Laws.

Upon adoption of the resolution, two copies of such resolution, signed by the secretary of the Lodge and the members of the Lodge's By-Laws committee, noting the date of the first reading, the date of the vote, the total number of members present and voting for adoption, shall be sent to the Grand Secretary, under seal of the Lodge, along with a copy of the By-Laws currently in force, for submission to the Lodges By-Laws Review


Committee. (4) May Print By-laws. A Lodge may print or have printed their by-laws when approved by the

Lodges By-Laws Review Committee. If a Grand Lodge session shall have intervened since the By-Laws were last printed, they shall be submitted to the Lodges By-Laws Review Committee and be approved by said Committee prior to reprinting.

(5) May Distribute By-Laws. A Lodge may, and is encouraged to, distribute copies of the current By-Laws to each of its members.

(6) May Establish Committees. A Lodge may, by By-Law or resolution or by or through the Noble Grand, establish and appoint such committees as are necessary and desirable to enable it to better carry out the fraternal purposes of Odd Fellowship.

(7) May Change Location. A Lodge may move its meetings from one location to another suitable location by changing its By-laws accordingly.

(8) May Hold Public Social Functions. A Lodge may sponsor and hold social functions, in keeping with the precepts of the Order, to which the general public is invited;

(9) Special Meetings On Sabbath. A Lodge or district may hold special meetings or social functions on the Sabbath, in keeping with the dignity of such days, providing the membership has been properly notified and any required dispensations have been obtained.

(10) May Dispense With Meetings. An Odd Fellow Lodge may dispense with regular meetings for a period not to exceed two months in any one year, provided that the By-Laws so state and the Lodge has a term of one year.

(11) May Make Copies Of Records. A Lodge may make copies of original records at such times as it deems desirable or necessary and as permitted or required By Law. Lodges have no right to part with any portion of their archives or subject them to risk of transportation except when expressly required or permitted to do so. Original records should never go out of the close custody of a Lodge except as herein provided.

(12) May Display Emblems. A Lodge may, and is encouraged to display the emblem(s) of the Order prominently on all Odd Fellow Temples and within the Lodge room.

(a) The Three Links shall be displayed over the Noble Grand's station, and our other emblems in other suitable locations and none shall be removed or covered by anyone at any time except for repair or replacement.

(b) An emblem of another order or commercial enterprise on the outside of an Odd Fellow Temple shall be such that the identity of the Odd Fellow Temple is not hidden. All lodges and organizations using our Temples shall refer to same as Odd Fellow Temples, in bulletins, newspapers or other forms of communication.

(c) In the case of joint ownership with another Order, our emblems shall be given equal prominence as those of the other organization.

(13) May Use Emblems. The Three Links Emblem may be used on Lodge stationery. The words Independent Order of Odd Fellow shall be used in lieu of the letters I.O.O.F. on lodge stationery, decals and news publications.

(14) Alcoholic Beverages. A duly incorporated Lodge or incorporated Hall or Temple Association which is subject to the authority of the Grand Lodge may allow alcoholic beverages to be dispensed and consumed in an Odd Fellow Temple under its control or at any Odd Fellow sponsored function subject to the following restrictions:

(a) the use of alcoholic beverages must be specifically authorized by the By-Laws of the organization;

(b) no alcoholic beverage may be dispensed or consumed in any set-up lodge meeting room; (c) alcoholic beverages may be served only prior to opening or following the close of slated or

special lodge meetings only if food is served at same time;


(d) a Lodge shall be subject to the same rights and restrictions placed on other renters when sponsoring a social event where alcohol is served;

(e) Civil Liability insurance protection in the amount sufficient to indemnify any potential protected loss or losses, shall be purchased and in force prior to the serving of any alcoholic beverage under the provisions of this paragraph;

(f) at all times and functions, state and local laws and ordinances relating to the purchase, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be strictly adhered to; and

(g) a Lodge or a Hall or Temple Association may further restrict the use of alcoholic beverages by By-Law, Standing Rule or by Resolution.

(15) A Lodge Temple may be rented or leased to individuals or organizations that serve alcoholic beverages; Providing, that at no time may a bar be set up or such beverages consumed in a set-up meeting lodge room; 1982-107, 173, 174, 175

(16) Request Assistance. A lodge which is experiencing a loss of membership, having difficulty holding regular meetings due to the lack of a quorum, finding it difficult to meet its fraternal or financial obligations shall request through the Grand Master, assistance from the Odd Fellow Lodges Redevelopment Committee. When assistance is granted, a member of the committee shall be named as a Special Deputy Grand Master for the lodge. A lodge requesting such assistance shall reimburse the Special Deputy Grand Master and Committee for reasonable and legitimate expenses incurred by the committee in the redevelopment effort for that lodge. Provided, however, reimbursement under this provision shall take into consideration the financial strength of the lodge and shall not exceed a reasonable ability to pay such expenses.

E. Voting. (1) Must Be In Good Standing. Only members in good standing, as prescribed by The

Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, shall be entitled to vote on any question or candidate.

(2) All members, in good standing, present shall vote on each question or candidate unless prohibited or excused by law or by a vote of the Lodge.

(3) Results To Be Announced. The results of all ballots and votes taken shall be announced by the Noble Grand. The result of all ballots shall be confirmed by the Vice Grand.

(4) Types Of Ballots. (a) Ball Ballots. All applications for membership, degrees, withdrawal cards, and change in

membership status including changes to beneficial or non- beneficial membership, to non-contributing membership and reinstatement after suspension for non-payment of dues or after expulsion, shall be voted on by ball ballot.

(b) Paper Ballots. Paper ballots shall be required for elections of Officers, Representatives, District Deputy Grand Masters (when there is more than one nominee) and all votes on objections to charges, bills of exception, judgments by the Lodge, penalties and petitions for reconsideration.

(c) Voting Sign. Votes on motions and resolutions, unless otherwise provided by law, motion, or resolution shall be by voting sign.

(5) Reporting and Recording Of Votes. (a) Ball Ballots. The Noble Grand and Vice Grand shall report only whether the ballot is

favorable or unfavorable, never the number cast for or against, on any ball ballot taken. (b) Paper Ballot. The number of votes cast for each candidate or for or against each motion,

petition, bill or resolution shall be recorded. (c) Voting Sign. Only the result of the vote need be recorded, unless one-fifth or more, but in

no case less than three members voting demand a recording of the number of said votes cast.


(6) Counting Of. The counting of all paper ballots shall be in open Lodge (unless two thirds of the members vote otherwise). Paper ballots shall be counted in the following manner:

(a) the Warden shall act as teller and announce the vote on each ballot as counted; (b) the Secretary or duly appointed tally clerk, shall record the vote and repeat the vote as

tallied; and (c) the Conductor and such other officers and, or members as appointed by the Noble Grand

shall assist the Warden and observe the ballot to guard against error. F. Seal.

(1) Who May Use. The Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary shall have sole right to use the seal of the Lodge and must use the seal when required by law or directed to do so by order of the Lodge.

(2) Financial Secretary, Access. The Financial Secretary shall have full and convenient access to the seal of the Lodge that he may validate cards, certificates and receipts issued by him.

G. Incorporation. (1) Articles Shall Conform. The Articles of Incorporation of any Lodge or entity subordinate to

the Grand Lodge shall conform to the laws of the Order. (2) Protect Rights. The Articles of Incorporation of any entity subordinate to the Grand Lodge

shall, to the fullest extent allowed by the Corporation Laws of the State of California: (a) protect the property rights of the incorporated entity; and (b) place reversionary rights with the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

of California. (3) Shall Be Approved. The Noble Grand and Recording Secretary shall submit to the Grand

Secretary, for review and approval by the Committee on Incorporation: (a) all proposed Articles of Incorporation or amendments to existing Articles of the Lodge;

and, (b) all proposed Articles of Incorporation or amendments to existing Articles and/or By-Laws

of any Temple Association, Cemetery or Mausoleum Association or other corporate entity, by whatever name it may be known, in which the Lodge holds an interest. The Noble Grand and Recording Secretary shall also file with the Grand Secretary, a statement disclosing the nature of such interest and the investment therein owned by the Lodge.

All such Articles of Incorporation or amendments to existing Articles shall be approved by the Committee on Incorporation prior to being filed with the Secretary of State.

(4) Copy To Be Filed. A copy of all Articles of Incorporation, and or By- Laws, and/ or statement(s) of interest of each Lodge or incorporated entity, in which a Lodge subordinate to the Grand Lodge holds an interest, shall be filed with the Grand Secretary.

H. Property (1) Hall Associations. No Lodge may form a Hall Association unless ownership of lodge

property is held in more than one Lodge's name. No single lodge Hall Association (corporation) shall exist.

(a) Single lodge Hall Associations that exist as of the date of this enactment shall dissolve its corporation or merge the Hall Association corporation into the lodge corporation and thereafter transfer all assets to the lodge corporation within one year of said enactment date, unless an alternate schedule of compliance is approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(b) The Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge Board of Directors may approve an alternate schedule of compliance, if an applicant lodge submits (1) clear and convincing evidence that compliance within one year will cause severe financial hardship, and (2) a plan to


comply within a reasonable period of time. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(c) The lodge trustees and/or directors shall on behalf of the lodge be responsible for the hall's physical and financial condition and report to the lodge at least quarterly on its condition.

(2) Consent of Grand Lodge. The Lodge or any entity or corporation subordinate to the Grand Lodge shall obtain the consent of the Grand Lodge, if in session, or the Board of Directors during recess of the Grand Lodge prior to:

(a) the Sale, disposition, or lease of any significant length of any real property of the Lodge or subordinate body that Grand Lodge may feel would not be in their best interest , or the best interest of the Grand Lodge; or

(b) the purchase or acquisition of real property, except that which comes to a Lodge or subordinate body by gift, descent or bequest; or

(c) the erection of any building to be used for Lodge purposes. Each Lodge, Temple or Hall Association shall submit plans for such proposed building, the estimate costs thereof and a statement of financial condition of the Lodge(s); or

(d) alienating, encumbering or hypothecating by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or otherwise any real property of the Lodge or subordinate body; or

(e) upon the receipt of any notice of lien on any real property, with the notification of the Grand Lodge being sent within 48 hours or receipt of the lien.

(3) May Sell Property To Pay Bills. A Lodge shall pay all debts prior to surrendering its charter and to that end shall, if necessary in order to raise funds, sell part or all of its property after having first obtained permission from the Grand Lodge, or the Board of Directors during adjournment of the Grand Lodge.

(4) Estimates and Appraisals. (a) A Lodge wishing to buy or sell real property shall obtain a written estimate of the value of

the property from at least three knowledgeable, licensed real estate brokers or agents. Additionally, the Grand Lodge, or Board of Directors during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge, shall have the right to demand an independent appraisal by a qualified appraiser prior to the sale of Lodge property or prior to taking over a mortgage of jeopardized property. The cost of the appraisal shall be borne by the Lodge seeking the purchase, sale or mortgage assistance.

(b) Rebekah Entitlement. Jointly Held Title. A Rebekah Lodge who jointly holds title with an Odd Fellow Lodge is entitled to its interest of the property.

Caretaker of Odd Fellow Property - Shared Appreciation. If an Odd Fellow Lodge owns a meeting hall/temple, and its charter becomes null and void for any reason, and a Rebekah Lodge meet in the said hall/temple, the Rebekah Lodge may request from the Grand Lodge the right to continue to use the hall and to be designated “caretaker” of the property. If the Grand Lodge grants "caretaker" status to a Rebekah Lodge, the Rebekah Lodge shall assist in the maintenance of the property. The Rebekah Lodge shall be granted a percentage of the appreciation in the value of the property accruing after the designation of "caretaker" status, up to a maximum of 40% of the increase in value of the property. The appreciation of the property shall be calculated as follows:

(i) Within 120 days of granting "caretaker" status, the Grand Lodge shall have an appraisal secured of the Odd Fellow hall/temple property.

(ii) The appraised value thusly obtained shall represent the amount of equity in the property owned by Grand Lodge as of the date of the designation of "caretaker" status.


(iii) The Rebekah Lodge who has been granted "caretaker" status shall be entitled to 2% per year, up to a maximum of 40%, of any increase in value of the subject property over the recognized appraised value of the subject property described above.

(iv) If the property is sold, the timing and terms of such sale, which shall be at the sole discretion of Grand Lodge, the Rebekah Lodge shall be entitled to its pro-rata share of the net proceeds calculated as provided herein.

(v) Notwithstanding the equitable share of the Rebekah Lodge as determined by this Section, the Rebekah Lodge shall be entitled to one-third of the net rent received after all expenses have been paid. A quarterly accounting of all income and expenses will be made to the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. The Rebekah Assembly is entitled to any Rebekah Lodge’s entitlement.

(5) Disposition of Funds. The funds from the sale of the Lodge Building shall be held in a separate account, for the building or acquisition of a Lodge hall (Temple). Interest only from this account can be used for Lodge operations. If a Lodge consolidates with another Lodge, these restrictions will continue.

The only way to remove these restrictions is to present a Resolution, enacted by the Lodge, stating their request and reasons for the restrictions to be removed, either to the Grand Lodge, in session, or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, signed by the Secretary and Noble Grand, under the Seal of the Lodge, and also stating the members present.

(6) Insurance (a) The Lodge will have adequate insurance in order to protect itself. (b) All Lodges, Lodge Board of Trustees, Hall Associations and Cemetery Associations shall

be required to provide liability protections, fire protection for their officers and directors. (c) The Grand Lodge of California shall be named as an additional insured on all policies the

entity shall acquire. (d) Any Lodge, Lodge Board of Trustees, Hall Associations and Cemetery Associations may

request a hardship exception to the herein required insurance coverage by application to the Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge Board of Directors. The exception provided under this rule shall not be unreasonably denied by the Board of Directors or Grand Lodge.

I. Consolidations. (1) Must Request Assistance. A lodge that is having difficulty due to a small membership,

inadequate finances or any other cause, and is considering consolidation into another lodge shall first submit a request to the Grand Lodge for assistance from the Odd Fellow Lodges Redevelopment Committee. Upon receipt of such a request, the Grand Master shall appoint a Special Deputy Grand Master who shall be a member of the Odd Fellow Lodges Redevelopment Committee. Unless the Odd Fellow Lodges Redevelopment Committee recommends otherwise, no lodge may petition for consolidation into another lodge less than twelve months after requesting assistance of the Odd Fellow Lodges Redevelopment Committee.

(2) Petitions for Consolidating. Lodge meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) above and still desiring to consolidate into another lodge shall proceed as follows:

(a) a Lodge may not reduce its funds, without prior approval of Grand Lodge, after a letter of intent to Consolidate is sent either to Grand Lodge or Rebekah Assembly.

(b) both the lodge seeking consolidation and the lodge into which it desires to consolidate shall each, for itself, petition the Grand Lodge, or Grand Master if such petition is filed during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge and before the first day of April.

(c) the petitions of each lodge praying for consolidation shall contain the following: (i) affirmation that a written resolution regarding the proposed consolidation was read at

each meeting of the Lodge for one month prior to the vote on consolidation with the date of said vote having been fixed in the resolution; a copy of the resolution and a


statement specifying the date and the number of lodge members present at each meeting shall accompany the petition;

(ii) affirmation that notice of such resolution and date of the vote had been sent to all members of the lodge as provided for any change in the bylaws, immediately after the first reading; a copy of the notice shall accompany the petition;

(iii) affirmation from the consolidating lodge that three-fourths or more of the members present voted in favor of such consolidation, but in no case did five or more vote against;

(iv) affirmation from the receiving lodge that three-fourths or more of the members present voted in favor of such consolidation;

(v) a statement of which lodge the petitioning lodges will be consolidated into; (vi) the proposed name of the consolidated lodge; (vii) the date the proposed consolidation shall take effect.

(d) upon receipt of the petitions for consolidation, the Grand Secretary shall notify the chairman of the Grand Lodge Auditing Committee, who shall arrange for an audit of the books of the petitioning lodges.

(e) if a lodge that wishes to consolidate is incorporated it must dispose its incorporation prior to consolidation.

(3) May Grant. Upon receipt of the Audit Committee report the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master with the advice of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge, may grant or refuse the consolidation. If the consolidation is granted during the adjournment of the Grand Lodge, it shall be conditional upon approval of the Grand Lodge at the next annual session. If approved the Grand Master shall issue a warrant to that effect, attested by the Grand Secretary, under seal of Grand Lodge.

(4) Consolidation Effected. The consolidation, shall take place on the date fixed by the petitions unless otherwise determined by the grand Lodge or Grand Master.

(5) Members of Consolidated Lodge. A lodge receiving another lodge by consolidation shall assimilate the entire membership of such consolidated lodge into its membership as if each member had gained membership by initiation.

(6) Restoration of Charter. Members of the consolidating lodge may, within three years of consolidation, petition the Grand Lodge for restoration of the charter of the consolidating lodge. The Judiciary Committee of the Grand Lodge shall interview the petitioners and report its findings to the Grand Lodge at its annual session. If the report is favorable, the Judiciary Committee shall also include the names of petitioners to which the charter may be restored. If approved by the Grand Lodge during the annual Grand Lodge session the original books, records and seal of the reactivated lodge shall be returned; however, all other property brought into a consolidation may be retained by the receiving lodge.

J. Degree Lodges (1) Purpose. The purpose of a Degree Lodge is as set forth in the Ritual. (2) May Be Established. A Degree Lodge may be established in any district or community with

two or more Odd Fellow Lodges. (3) Charter. A petition praying for a charter for a Degree Lodge shall be presented in the same

manner as one for an Odd Fellow Lodge as set forth in Section 1-A (a), (c), (d), and (e) of this Code, excepting, the petition shall contain the names of ten or more Third Degree Odd Fellows in good standing, of which five or more shall be Past Grands.

(4) Institution. The Grand Lodge or the Grand Master during adjournment of the Grand Lodge may grant a warrant to open a Degree Lodge, and such Degree Lodge shall receive its charter or dispensation and the necessary lectures and instructions in the same manner as provided for Odd Fellow Lodges.


(5) Membership. The members of a Degree Lodge shall be members in good standing in an Odd Fellow Lodge and shall have attained the Third Degree; providing, an Odd Fellow who has not attained the Third Degree, may sit in a Degree Lodge when the Lodge is conferring a degree such Odd Fellow has taken.

(6) Quorum. Ten members, including one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum. (7) Fees and Dues. The membership fees and dues of a Degree Lodge shall be set forth in the

Lodge's By-Laws. (8) Officers. The officers shall be as prescribed in the Ritual. The Degree Master shall be a Past

Grand or a Noble Grand. (9) Terms. The terms of a Degree Lodge shall correspond with the terms of the Odd Fellow

Lodges in the District. (10) Degree Conferral.

(a) The Degree Master may assign any qualified brother present to fill such other positions in the Lodge as may be necessary.

(b) Degrees shall be conferred only on brothers who hold a certificate of election to such degree, under seal of a Lodge.

(11) Odd Fellow Lodge Officers To Be Present. It shall be the duty of the Noble Grand and Vice Grand of an Odd Fellow Lodge to be present when a Degree is conferred on one of the members by a Degree Lodge.

(12) Report of Degree Conferred. The Secretary of the Degree Lodge shall report to the proper Odd Fellow Lodge, when a degree has been conferred on one of its members. The report, under seal, shall stipulate the degree and date conferred.

(13) Report To Grand Lodge. The secretary, under seal of the Degree Lodge, shall report at the end of the term to the Grand Lodge, the time and day(s) of its meetings, the Degrees conferred during the term and such other information requested as will enable the Grand Lodge to determine the condition of the Degree Lodge.

(14) Degree Lodges May Incorporate. A degree Lodge may own personal property and paraphernalia necessary to perform its duties and may Incorporate to better carry on its purposes and functions. Such incorporation shall be effected in the same manner as incorporation of an Odd Fellow Lodge.

K. Officers. (1) Noble Grand. It shall be the duty of the Noble Grand in conjunction with those set forth in

the Ritual to: (a) appoint all Officers and Committees not otherwise provided for by law: (b) see that all Officers, Committees and members of the Lodge perform their respective duties

as enjoined by the several charges and laws of the Order; (c) see that all members are instructed to enable them to advance in the degrees; (d) state and then put all motions; (e) inspect and announce the results of all ballots and votes of the Lodge; (f) order and attest all warrants drawn by the Secretary on the Treasurer for monies legally

voted; (g) prior to closing, require the Secretary or Financial Secretary, if there be one, to read the

receipts of the evening; (h) vote on any question he desires or on any question on which the Lodge requires him to

vote; (i) surrender his chair to make, second, or debate a motion;


(j) on the date of installation, if closed, or the first meeting there-after if public, appoint a Finance Committee as provided by law and such other committees as may be required by the By-Laws of the Lodge; and

(k) perform all other duties required by the By-Laws of the Lodge: (2) Vice Grand. It shall be the duty of the Vice Grand in conjunction with those set forth in the

Ritual to: (a) examine and report the results of all ball ballots; (b) be responsible, in conjunction with the Noble Grand, for a program of an educational or

social nature and provide same on each meeting night degrees are not conferred; and (c) perform all other duties required by the laws of the Lodge.

(3) Recording Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary, in conjunction with those set forth in the Ritual to:

(a) keep a record of the transactions of the Lodge in the manner prescribed in Chapter XXVIII – 3, Section 6, (A), of this Code;

(b) endorse and file all papers and documents pertaining to Lodge transactions; (c) number serially and file all communications from the Grand Master, Grand Secretary or

special officer acting on their behalf. and enter the number upon the minutes; (d) endorse on applications for membership, the names of the Interview Committee; (e) notify members named to committees of their appointment; (f) notify in writing, all candidates for membership of the results of the ballot; (g) notify persons elected to membership, when to appear for initiation or admission; (h) notify the Rebekah Lodge nearest the residence of a newly elected member of such fact,

giving the name, address, occupation and marital status of the member; (i) notify every member immediately, by written notice, to his last known address, of the

levying of any assessment against the membership by the Lodge; (j) notify the Lodge in writing, when the notice required by the above sub-paragraph has been

sent and place a copy of said notice in the minutes; (k) keep, in conjunction with the Financial Secretary, an up-to-date roll of the members

including current address, telephone number and record of degrees and rank each has attained;

(l) notify the fraternal press of changes of address and fraternal status of members; (m) notify the Grand Secretary and the Lodges in the county and district of the rejection of

applications for admission by initiation, card or by Dismissal Certificate; (n) send a certified notice to any member suspended for nonpayment of dues and place a copy

in the minutes along with proof of mailing; (o) issue in a lawful manner all notices, summons, and subpoenas ordered by the Lodge, Noble

Grand, or duly authorized committee; and (p) perform all other duties required by law.

(4) Financial Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary, or Secretary, if no Financial Secretary be authorized, in conjunction with those set forth in the Ritual to:

(a) keep accounts in a regular set of books, including ledger, journal, receipt and cash books and such others as may be required by the Lodge and the laws of the Order;

(b) promptly credit the account of each member paying him money; the members credit and standing, shall date from such payment;

(c) issue a receipt for all monies due the lodge; (d) give written notice of account, in person or at his last known address, at least semi-

annually, to each member who is in any way indebted or about to become indebted to the lodge;


(e) notify by certified mail, to his last known address, any member who is in arrears to the lodge for an amount equal to one year's dues, whether the arrearage accumulated as unpaid dues, fines, or assessment;

(f) prepare and furnish to the Noble Grand a list of members entitled to vote at any election; (g) in conjunction with the Recording Secretary, maintain a current roll of all members: and (h) perform all other duties required by law.

(5) Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer, in conjunction with those set forth in the Ritual to:

(a) receive from the Financial Secretary, or Secretary, if there be no Financial Secretary, each lodge night, all lodge monies in his hands;

(b) report at the first meeting in the month, the receipts and expenditures of the preceding months with the balance on hand;

(c) at the first meeting of the new year, report the annual receipts and expenditures for the previous year; and at the last meeting of the term have his books written up for presentation, along with exhibit vouchers, to the Finance Committee for examination within twenty-four hours thereafter;

(d) give when requested by the Noble Grand, a statement in writing of money on hand; and (e) perform all other duties required by law. (f) signatures Required. Two (2) signatures shall be required for all the withdrawal of Lodge

funds from any checking or saving accounts; each account shall require not less than three signatures on file.

(6) Appointment Of Committees On Candidates Or Charges. The Noble Grand or qualified member legally acting as such shall appoint a majority and the Vice Grand or member legally acting as such shall appoint a minority of all committees on candidates, investigation and charges;

(7) Bonds Of Officers. The Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer of a Lodge, prior to installation, shall individually or as a group, as provided by the by-laws of the lodge, give a surety bond payable to the lodge $10,000.00.

(8) May Bond Through Grand Lodge. The requirements of bond in Paragraph (7) above, may be dispensed with during such time as there shall be an effective surety bond on said officers purchased through the Grand Lodge, if the minimum bond required by the by-laws does not exceed the amount of the Grand Lodge secured bond.

L. Trustees (1) Numbers Authorized. The number of Trustees, if such be authorized by the By-Laws of the

Lodge, shall not be less than three, may be five and shall not be more than seven, and in no case shall an even number be elected; also provided, that at least one Trustee's term expire each year and in no case shall a majority of terms expire at the same time.

(2) Duties. The Board of Trustees, shall: (a) hold in trust for the Lodge, all stocks, securities, investments, property and funds belonging

to the Lodge and maintain a complete current inventory thereof; (b) keep a full and correct inventory of all monies received, expended and invested; (c) deposit, transfer or exchange such assets or part(s) thereof belonging to the lodge when

required to do so; (d) they shall make a full and complete written report at least quarterly to the lodge of all

business transacted by the Trustees since the last report. The report to list the balances of all funds and type and value of all investments.

(e) at the expiration of their term or upon leaving said position, deliver to their successor(s) or such person as may be designated by the proper authority, all books, papers and other Lodge property in their possession.


(f) when a Lodge is entitled to representation on a Hall or Temple Association Board, the Lodge members shall elect its representative(s) to such Board from among the Lodge Trustees. The representative(s) to a Hall or Temple Association shall report on Association activity to the Lodge after each Association meeting. The report shall be carried upon the Lodge books and shall include all matters, financial and otherwise, on which the Association took action.

(g) signatures required. Two (2) signatures shall be required for all the withdrawal of Trustees funds from any checking or saving accounts; each account shall require not less than three (3) signatures on file.

(h) All trustees-elect and directors-elect shall be included and recite the Officers’ Obligation in the installation ceremony of the Ritual.

(3) Bonds Of Directors. The Directors of a Lodge, shall individually or as a group as provided in the By-Laws of the Lodge, shall give a surety bond, not to be less than $2,000.00 each, give a surety Bond payable to the Lodge in the amount of $10,000.00.

(4) May Bond Through Grand Lodge. The requirements of bond in paragraph (3) above, may be dispensed with during such time as there shall be an effective surety bond on said trustees, purchased through the Grand Lodge.

(5) Qualifications. The Trustees, Directors, Boards and Committees of a lodge may not have a majority of its members be comprised of those who are tenants; the same may not have as its majority, associate members within the said group.

M. Elections. (1) Nominations. Nominations for elective Officers and Trustees shall be made only during the

two regular meetings immediately preceding that of a regular election, except when all nominees for an office decline.

(2) Nominations When All Decline. If a nominee, having been elected declines to serve or if all nominees for an office decline prior to election, the Lodge shall at each meeting prior to installation, nominate and if there be a nominee, the following meeting elect.

(3) Nomination And Election To Fill A Vacancy. When an elective office becomes vacant, the Lodge at the first regular meeting after the vacancy occurs, shall nominate and the following meeting elect to fill the vacancy.

(4) Office Vacant At Installation. If the installing officer is present for a scheduled installation, the Lodge may nominate and proceed to elect to fill a vacancy at a regular or special meeting prior to the Installation Ceremony.

(5) Majority To Be Elected. To be elected to any position a member shall have been nominated or otherwise declared eligible and must be named on a majority of the ballots cast. Ballots cast for persons who have not been nominated shall be counted as blank ballots.

(6) When No Majority. If no majority is received by any nominee, the nominee with the lowest total number of votes shall be dropped from the ballot

(7) No Majority And Tie. If no nominee receives a majority and the vote is tied the Lodge shall continue balloting until the tie is broken or the Lodge may use another equitable way, acceptable to the nominees involved, to break the tie.

(8) Blank Ballots, Effect. Blank ballots and void ballots shall be counted in the total number of ballots cast when determining a majority.

(9) Unopposed. When there is but one nominee for any office or position and there is no objection by any member eligible to vote, the nominees may be declared elected by the presiding officer with the Secretary or any other named member casting the ballot on behalf of the Lodge for said nominee; unopposed nominees may be elected by acclamation upon proper motion. No eligible member shall be denied the right to cast a ballot.

N. Installation.


(1) When. The installation of Officers shall be during the first month of each new term. (2) Returns Must Be Submitted. All required returns and assessments shall be submitted to the

District Deputy of the District prior to installation. (3) Examination Of Officers Required. Each officer, as required by the laws of the Order, shall

be examined prior to installation, regardless which authorized Installation Ceremony is used. All examinations of officers shall be:

(a) In open Lodge; and (b) Conducted by and to the satisfaction of the District Deputy Grand Master of the District.

(4) Exchange Installation. The Lodge in which a District Deputy Grand Master holds membership may be installed by a District Deputy Grand Master of another District. The Lodge requesting the exchange shall, prior to installation, secure consent of the two District Deputy Grand Masters involved and a dispensation from the Grand Master.

O. Public Installations. (1) Authorized. Lodges may install officers in public installations as provided by the Ritual. A

dispensation, granted by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District, unless otherwise required, shall be secured prior to public installation.

(2) Joint Installation. Two or more Lodges may participate in a Joint Public Installation upon each securing a dispensation from the Grand Master. If more than two Lodges desire to install in a joint ceremony, specific authorization shall be secured from the Grand Master prior to installation, by each Lodge desiring to participate.

P. Vacancy. (1) Elective Office, How Filled. A vacancy in an elective office or position shall be filled by

nomination and election as provided by law. (2) Appointive Office, How Filled. A vacancy in an appointive office shall be filled by

appointment made by the appropriate appointing officer. (3) A Pro-tem During Absence. Unless otherwise provided by the Ritual, a qualified member

shall be appointed to an office pro-tem when a regularly installed officer is absent. Pro-tem appointments shall be made or renewed each meeting.

(4) How Declared. If an officer absents himself on four consecutive regular meetings, except in the case of personal illness, the office may be declared vacant by the Noble Grand, upon a two-thirds vote after a resolution has been offered at a regular meeting.

(5) Cannot Declare Vacant During Illness. An office cannot be declared vacant for absence due to personal illness, unless the illness has rendered such officer incompetent, as proclaimed by a court of competent jurisdiction, with a guardian having been named for said member.

(6) Military Service, Effect. All officers shall be excused for failure to attend any meeting when such failure is due to their service in an active American Military Unit during a state of war or under conditions of actual armed conflict, and such office shall be pro-temed for the remainder of the term.

Q. Past Officers. (1) Honors When In Military. A Lodge Officer, who fails to serve a majority of meeting nights

during the year, due to service in an active American Military Unit during a state of war or actual armed conflict, shall be entitled to the rank, honors, and privileges of that office at the end of the term, during which he was called to active duty.

R. Lodge Irregularities. (1) Action Relative To:

(a) the Grand Master shall appoint a Special Deputy Grand Master, and such Assistant Deputy Grand Masters as he deems necessary, to work with any lodge which fails to hold


regular meetings or exhibits any other irregularity as set forth in Chapter IV – 3, Part B, Section 4 (2) (a), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(b) the Grand Master, at his discretion, may stipulate that the Special Deputy Grand Master's (or Assistant Deputy Grand Master's) signature shall be at least one of the two required signatures for disbursements of funds, or for sale or transfer of any lodge property during the term of appointment.

(c) the Grand Master, at his discretion, may authorize the Grand Lodge Board of Directors Property Committee to either assist in, or take charge of, the management and/or control of the lodge's real property during such period when the lodge is under the authority of a" special Deputy Grand Master.

(d) a Lodge being disciplined by the Grand Master may appeal to Grand Lodge and ask for a Hearing of understanding as allowed in Chapter XXVI – 9, Section 5, of this Code.

(2) When Not Alleviated. If, after making a reasonable attempt to restore the lodge to good standing as provided by law, it becomes evident the irregularities cannot be alleviated, the Grand Master shall arrest the charter of the lodge. The funds and assets of the lodge shall be handled as directed by the Grand Master in accordance with the laws of the Order.

S. Duties Of Special Deputy Grand Master. (open) T. Committees.

(1) Who May Serve. Any member in good standing may serve on any committee appointed by the Noble Grand, unless otherwise restricted by law.

(2) Tenure. Each member of a committee shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer, unless otherwise provided by law. The appointment shall become effective at the time of appointment unless a later time be specified. The members of a committee shall serve until the task for which the committee was appointed has been completed and the final report has been accepted by the Lodge, or until excused, or replaced by the proper officer, or until the term for which the member was appointed has expired.

(3) Reports Of. Reports of committees on Candidates, Investigation, Benefits, Audits, Charges and Trials shall be in writing. All other reports may be verbal or in writing as required by the Lodge or as provided by the laws of the Order.

(4) Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of three Third Degree members, who are not elected officers, and are in no way indebted to the Lodge nor have charge of any Lodge funds. The duties of the Finance Committee shall be to:

(a) examine and report, prior to action by the Lodge on all bills and claims for payment submitted to the Lodge;

(b) examine and audit the books of the Lodge at the end of each term and at other reasonable times the committee deems expedient or when ordered by the Noble Grand;

(c) examine, upon order by the Lodge or the Noble Grand, the books of any other person(s) or committees handling funds for the Lodge or any entity in which the Lodge holds a financial interest;

(d) sign the term report after completing the end of term audit; and (e) report in writing concerning all audits performed.

(5) Visiting Committee. To visit the sick, giving aid, comfort and relief to such sick members and thereby helping to hasten their return to good health or otherwise ease their burden during a time of trial, is one of the basic tenets of our Order, and to that end each Lodge shall provide for a Visiting Committee. The Visiting Committee shall call on sick or confined members, within the immediate jurisdiction of the Lodge, offering such comfort and assistance as the Lodge can provide and report the condition of every such member at each meeting during the illness or infirmity and perform such other duties as may be specified by the By-Laws of the Lodge.


(6) Membership Restricted. The membership of Committees on Candidates, Investigation, Benefits, Charges or Trials shall be restricted to Third Degree Members.

(7) Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws committee shall consist of three Third Degree. Members who shall be appointed the meeting following installation and shall serve for the term of the officers of the lodge. The duties of the bylaws Committee shall be to:

(a) review all legislation of the Grand Lodge and rewrite the bylaws to reflect the new laws and present them to the lodge for its' approval.

(b) the Bylaws Committee will draft changes directed by the lodge in proper form and present them to the lodge for its' approval.

(c) the Bylaws Committee will present the bylaws for review to the Grand Lodge Bylaws Committee every five years or sooner, if the Grand Lodge or Sovereign Grand Lodge passes laws affecting the bylaws.

Section. 2. Membership. A. Eligibility.

(1) Qualifications. Each applicant for membership, in addition to the qualifications set forth in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and the Constitution of Odd Fellow Lodges, shall be of sound mind and have a respectable means of support.

(2) Lodge May Require Physicians Certificate. A Lodge offering beneficial membership may require each applicant for such membership to submit, on a form provided, a certificate from a physician showing the applicant to have been examined and found to be in good health. The Lodge may specify the physician performing the examination and the Lodge may require the applicant to pay the fee, if the By-Laws so provide.

(3) Admission Of Person Suspended By Another Lodge. A person currently under suspension from an Odd Fellow Lodge may be admitted to membership in another Odd Fellow Lodge by deposit of card or certificate, only after first having been reinstated or dismissed by the lodge which suspended him or by receiving the proper card or certificate as prescribed by law, from the Grand Body having jurisdiction.

(4) Expelled Member, Only After Reinstatement. A person under expulsion from an Odd Fellow Lodge may re-affiliate with a lodge of the Order only after having been restored to membership of the lodge which expelled him, as provided in Chapter V – 20, Section 2 (H), of this Code.

(5) Expelled Member Of A Defunct Lodge. A person who was expelled by a lodge now defunct or who failed to apply for a Withdrawal Card after the charter of his lodge was arrested, forfeited or surrendered, must receive a certificate from the Grand Body having jurisdiction. The fee for admission of such member shall be that of any candidate for initiation of the same age.

B. Non-beneficial and Noncontributing Members. (1) Transfer to Beneficial Membership. A non-beneficial member may be transferred or

restored to beneficial membership by making application for such transfer or restoration in the same manner as is set forth for any new application for beneficial membership and by paying such fee as the by-laws of the lodge require. The vote for such transfer shall be the same as for any new candidate.

(2) Noncontributing Status, How Acquired. A brother who has been a contributing member of an Odd Fellow Lodge for forty (40) or more consecutive years to the present date and is unable to afford the dues of his lodge, may make application in writing to be transferred to noncontributing status. The written application shall be received at any regular meeting and be acted upon in the same manner as any application for membership. When the written report of the Investigating Committee has been submitted, a ball ballot shall be taken and if a majority of the ballots cast are favorable, the brother shall be declared transferred to noncontributing membership status.


(3) Rights Of Noncontributing Member. A noncontributing member shall be relieved from the payment of all dues and assessments of every kind and character and shall be entitled to all honors, rights, privileges and benefits accruing to any member of his previous classification in good standing in a lodge. A noncontributing member shall be subject to penalty for chargeable offenses against the Order.

(4) Reinstatement As Contributing Member. A noncontributing member may be reinstated as a contributing member by paying the amount of one year's dues and requesting to be reinstated as a contributing member.

(5) Per-capita Tax Not Required. A Lodge shall not be required to pay any per-capita tax assessment on a non-contributing member, except, each Lodge shall pay the Odd Fellow Home per-capita tax assessment, established by the Grand Lodge, for each of its non-contributing members in residence at the California Odd Fellow Home, at Saratoga.

C. Life Membership. (1) Admission to Life Membership.

(a) An applicant for admission to an Odd Fellow Lodge by initiation may apply for admission as a Life Member by submitting, along with his application, an amount equal to the admission fee, the Life Membership fee and one year's dues.

(b) An applicant for admission to an Odd Fellows Lodge by deposit of card or certificate may apply for admission as a Life Member by submitting along with his application an amount equal to the admission fee for his classification as established by the lodge bylaws, the life membership fee and one year's dues.

(c) A member of an Odd Fellows Lodge whose dues are paid one year in advance may become a Life Member by submitting an application for life membership along with the life membership fee.

(2) Beneficiaries. An applicant for Life Membership shall include on his application, the name and address of his beneficiary. He may also include the name and address of a second beneficiary. The life member may change his beneficiary(s) by submitting a written request which includes the name and address of the beneficiary being removed and his new beneficiary. The Noble Grand and Secretary shall attest the change and forward the request to the Grand Secretary under the seal of the lodge.

(3) Lodges may purchase. For a member a Life Membership from any assets which may belong to the member, and such use of the money shall not be deemed a violation of any rule prohibiting the disposition of the brother's property prior to admission; into the Odd Fellows Home of California, at Saratoga.

(4) The fee for Life Membership. Shall not be less than $1,000.00. Provided, however, that any Lodge may increase the charge for such Life Membership by making a provision therefore in said bylaws, but until so increased, the above named fee shall be effective. Said Life Membership fees may be collected in installments of not less than $50.00 per month but said Life Membership shall not become effective until Membership by making a provision therefore in said bylaws, but until so increased, the above named fee shall be effective. Said Life Membership fees may be collected in installments of not less than $50.00 per month but said Life Membership shall not become effective until paid for in full. Lodge dues must continue to be paid by the member while paying installments. At the time member is paid in full, his dues are required to be paid twelve months in advance. The Lodge Secretary shall forward said amount to be placed in the Life Membership Fund as provided in Section (5). In case a brother shall discontinue payment of installments before the full fee is paid, the Lodge shall apply the amount to payment of his regular dues, except that all monies forwarded by the Lodge to the Grand Secretary for deposit in the Life Membership Fund shall remain to the credit of the Lodge in said fund. In the event of death of a brother, before installments are paid in full, the amount paid which would otherwise be applied to future payment of dues, shall be refunded to his beneficiary. The


member shall be liable for annual dues to his lodge until full payment son his Life Membership have been completed.

(5) Custody and administration of fund. When a brother is admitted to Life Membership, the application and fee shall be immediately transmitted to the Grand Secretary who shall place all monies so received in the Life Membership Fund. Said fund shall thereafter be held at the Grand Lodge in trust as a perpetual endowment for the several lodges so contributing thereto, but separate and distinct records shall be kept thereof. The principal thereof shall never be transferred to any other fund or expended. It shall be invested only in government, state, provincial or municipal bonds, or in first mortgage real estate loans and not in speculative securities. The interest derived from the investment of the principal shall at the end of each calendar year be disbursed to the lodges of this jurisdiction, pro rata, according to the amount of money each lodge shall have to its credit in this fund. Excepting that an administrative fee not to exceed ten percent of such income may be retained by the Grand Lodge to compensate (them) for the costs involved in the administration of these funds.

(6) The Grand Secretary shall immediately issue to the member paying the required fee, the Life Membership certificate, under seal of the Grand Lodge, signed by the Grand Secretary.

(7) Upon the holder of a Life Membership certificate transferring to another lodge within this jurisdiction, the Grand Secretary shall, upon the notice thereof, transfer on the books of the Life Membership Fund, the fee received for such Life Membership to the credit of the lodge transferred to, such lodge receiving the transfer shall pay to the Grand Secretary the sum of $5.00 as a transfer fee which the Grand Secretary shall deposit in the Life Membership Fund to the Credit of the Lodge issuing the transfer and such transfer fee shall not be collected from the Life Member.

(8) On the expulsion or resignation of a life Member, the Life Membership fee shall be disposed of as in the case of the death of a member.

(9) In the event of the death of a Life Member, the Secretary of the Lodge where he is a member shall notify the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, stating the time and place of death and said notice shall bear the seal of the Lodge. The Grand Secretary shall forward to the Beneficiary, through the Lodge, 100% of the residue of the principal of fee paid.

(10) When two or more lodges consolidate, all monies in the Life Membership Fund to the credit of such lodges shall be transferred to the credit of such consolidated lodge.

(11) Membership upon dissolution. Upon dissolution of an Odd Fellows lodge, the membership of the brothers holding Life Membership certificates shall be transferred to Volcano Lodge No. 25, at the California Odd Fellows Home.

(12) Holders of Life Membership Certificates are subject to all laws, rules, and regulations as provided for any other member of the Order, and loss of membership by expulsion shall automatically terminate a Life Membership.

D. Associate Membership (1) Authorized. A member of the Order, meeting the requirements for membership as specified

in the Constitution of Odd Fellow Lodges, may apply for Associate Membership in any Odd Fellow Lodge in this jurisdiction.

(2) Application For. Applicants for Associate Membership shall submit a written application in the same manner as any other new application for membership, excepting Associate Membership in a recognized "Historical Odd Fellow Lodge".

(3) In Volcano Lodge No 25. Any Odd Fellow is good standing in this Order may hold "Historical Associate Membership" in Volcano Lodge No. 25, upon payment of the prescribed fee.

(4) In Yreka Lodge No. 19, any Odd Fellow in good standing in the Order may hold "Cave Degree Associate Membership" in Yreka Lodge No. 19, upon payment of the prescribed fee. Said Associate Members shall assist the regular members in any way possible to


assure the continuance of the annual Yreka Cave Degree Ceremonial. (5) Rights of Associate Members. An associate member shall have all the rights of a non-

beneficial member, with the following exceptions: (a) hold the office of Noble Grand and/or Vice Grand in two Odd Fellows Lodges

concurrently; (b) vote on a resolution of consolidation; (c) vote on the purchase or sale of real property; or (d) vote on any other matter where a conflict of interest may arise.

(6) Evidence Of Good Standing Required. An Associate Member, before being issued an Official Certificate from the proper secretarial officer of the Associate Lodge, shall give evidence to such officer of good standing in his home Lodge. The officer issuing the Official Certificate shall note thereon, the expiration date of good standing in the members home Lodge. The provisions of this section shall not apply to associate membership in a recognized Historical Body.

(7) Per-capita Tax Waived. A Lodge shall not be required to pay any per-capita tax assessment on any Associate Member.

E. Applications (1) Form Of. Applications shall be submitted in writing, at a regular meeting, on a form

approved by the Grand Lodge and shall be accompanied by the required fee(s) The application shall include the name, age, nativity, residence and occupation of the applicant; it shall be signed by the applicant and a member of the Order making proposition; and shall also have attached and entered thereon, the names of two persons as references.

(2) Action Upon. Applications upon being read shall be referred to a committee of three Third Degree members for investigation and interview. The Noble Grand shall appoint a majority and the Vice Grand shall appoint a minority of the committee The committee shall report at the next regular meeting, except, that with the consent of the Lodge, the committee may report at a subsequent regular meeting. Upon receiving the report of the Committee the Lodge shall proceed to ballot upon the application with ball ballots

F. Election. (1) Balloting Election. to membership shall be by ball ballot as prescribed in Chapter III – 3,

Section 2 (B), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter V – 19, Section 1 (E), of this Code. In the event of an unfavorable ballot, in order to verify the ballot and guard against mistake or error, the presiding officer may immediately call for a second ballot

(2) Reconsideration Of Favorable Ballot. A favorable ballot may be reconsidered at any regular meeting prior to admission of the candidate, provided two-thirds of the members present, agree thereto

(3) Rejection. A candidate for initiation, who has been rejected, cannot be proposed again in any Lodge of this jurisdiction for six months after such rejection. All other applications may renew at any time

(4) Notice Of Rejection. If a candidate for initiation is rejected notice thereof shall be immediately sent to the Grand Secretary and to all Lodges in the District

G. Suspension For Nonpayment Of Dues And Reinstatement. (1) Subject To. Any contributing member who after due notice refuses or neglects to pay dues or

other just demands of the Lodge and becomes in arrears for an amount equal to one year's dues shall be subject to suspension from membership as provided by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws provided however, no member of the Order shall be suspended for non-payment of dues while serving in the American Armed Forces during a state of war or under the conditions of actual armed conflict and for a period of six months after the cessation of hostilities

(2) Notice Of Arrears. The Financial Secretary or if there be none the Secretary shall give a written statement of account to any member subject to suspension for nonpayment The


statement shall either be personally given to the member in arrears or shall be sent by certified mail to the members last known address

(3) How Effected. After written notices of arrears has been duly served on the delinquent member. The Financial Secretary or if there be none the Secretary shall announce in open Lodge, at two regular meetings, the fact that the member is in arrears stating the nature and amount of such arrearage Upon the second announcement the delinquent member may be suspended and shall be so declared by the Noble Grand unless otherwise determined by a majority vote of the Lodge

(4) Arrearage. May Pay Portion A member prior to suspension may pay a sufficient portion of any amount due to avoid suspension

(5) Effect Of. A member suspended for nonpayment of dues is technically still a member of the Lodge and Order but is neither entitled to attend meetings nor is eligible for any of the privileges honors or benefits of membership. A member under such suspension remains fully liable for charges against his account in force at the time of such suspension The person under suspension remains attached to the Lodge until such time as he may be dismissed or reinstated and thereafter withdraws transfers or resigns

(6) Cannot When Charges Pending. A member shall not be suspended for nonpayment of dues while charges are pending against him

(7) Reinstatement Less Than One Year. A member suspended for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated to former membership status within one year of such suspension by paying the amount of one year's dues applicable to his class of membership and by receiving a favorable vote by ball ballot of two-thirds of the members present at a regular meeting a motion to that effect having laid over one meeting

(8) Reinstatement After One Year. After a period of one year or more a person suspended for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated upon the payment of the minimum fee prescribed in the By-Laws and a favorable ballot upon application for membership Such application shall be acted upon in the same manner as any new application for membership

(9) Good Standing. When Not In A member who is not in good standing as defined by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws shall not be entitled to:

(a) receive the term password or other passwords; (b) vote on any matter before the Lodge; (c) serve on any committee; (d) speak on any matter before the Lodge unless permission is granted by the Lodge; (e) visit any other Lodge; or (f) exercise any other right or privilege requiring good standing as defined by the laws of the

Order. H. Expulsion, Suspension For Cause, Readmission.

(1) Expelled Member. How Restored A member expelled after due trial and judgment on charges, may only be readmitted to the Order by the Lodge which expelled him. Such person must first receive permission from the Grand Master with concurrence of the Board of Directors and then after proposition, investigation and election by ball ballot as required in the case of any newly proposed member be reinstated.

(2) Notice To Other Components. Notice of all suspensions expulsions and reinstatements shall be sent to the Secretary of every Lodge in the District to the Grand Secretary and to the Secretary or Scribe of every component body in which the brother holds membership.

CHARTER OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA VI - 1

CHAPTER VI CHARTER OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY

Friendship, Love and Truth We, the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the State of California, do hereby grant this charter to Rebekah Lodges, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and 208, of the State of California, to form a State Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, and said State Rebekah Assembly being duly formed, is hereby authorized and empowered to charter and institute Rebekah Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the State of California, according to the laws and usages of Odd Fellowship, and to possess and exercise all the powers and privileges appertaining to such a Grand Body, provided, always, that said State Rebekah Assembly be held in the State of California, and that they pay due respect and obedience to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California.

In default thereof, this charter may be suspended, annulled or taken away at the decision of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, or of the Sovereign Grand Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In witness thereof, we have subscribed our names and affixed the seal of the Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, this 18th day of May; 1895, and in the 77th year of our Order.

J. H. SIMPSON, Grand Master. Geo. I. Shaw, Grand Secretary.

( Seal. ) 1895- 259

VI – 2 REBEKAH ASSEMBLY ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION


REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this corporation is REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

This corporation is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under such law. Specifically, this corporation endeavors to promote, cultivate and extend the ennobling principles and teachings of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The purpose of this corporation may be effected through, but not limited to: engaging in beneficial and charitable activities, chartering and instituting Rebekah Lodges in California, establishing and maintaining corporations devoted to specific nonprofit mutual benefit and/or nonprofit public benefit purposes, all as authorized by the Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows: and the bringing of all existing lodges, clubs, homes, schools and corporate entities authorized or established by the Rebekah Assembly under this corporate structure, all in accordance with the Constitution and The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Rituals as provided by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the Constitution and Code of Laws of the Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ARTICLE III. INITIAL AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS

The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is: MARY E MACHA Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly of California 290 IOOF Avenue, Gilroy, California 95020

ARTICLE IV. NAME OF EXISTING ASSOCIATION

The name of the unincorporated association which is being incorporated is: REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP

This corporation shall have no capital stock, and the number and qualifications of members of the corporation, the different classes of membership, if any, the property, voting and other rights and privileges of members and their liability to fees, dues, and assessments, and method of collection thereof shall be as set forth in its Constitution and its Bylaws, all in accordance with the Constitution and of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the Constitution and Code of Laws of the Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ARTICLE VI. DIRECTORS

The Directors of this corporation shall be the elective officers, directors and junior Past President of the Rebekah Assembly of California.

REBEKAH ASSEMBLY ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION VI – 3

ARTICLE VII. REVERSIONARY INTEREST

This corporation shall maintain a reversionary interest, as required by the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and as authorized by the Grand Lodge of California Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all property of every lodge, club, home, school and corporation which is subordinate to it. Upon dissolution of any subordinate nonprofit corporation whose assets are irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes, this corporation, subject to approval by the Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, shall designate the qualifying organization or organizations to which the assets shall be distributed.

ARTICLE VIII. DISSOLUTION

This corporation shall dissolve whenever its charter is surrendered to, taken away by, or revoked by The Grand Lodge of California Independent Order of Odd Fellows or the Sovereign Grand Lodge. On the dissolution or winding up of the corporation, its assets remaining after payment of, or provision for payment of, all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall pass to The Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENT

These Articles of Incorporation may only be amended by the affirmative vote of the voting members of the Rebekah Assembly of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The vote required to amend these Articles shall be the same vote required to amend the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly.

INCORPORATORS Carolyn J. DeBoer, Incorporator Mary E. Macha, Incorporator

CONSTITUTION – REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA VII – 1

CHAPTER VII CONSTITUTION OF THE

REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA

Of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

PREAMBLE The Grand Lodge, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, acting under

and pursuant to authority granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, did on the eighteenth day of May, 1895, grant to the Rebekah Lodges in said State, authority to form a Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the State of California, and by Charter, did give and grant to said Rebekah Assembly, power to Charter and institute Rebekah Lodges in California, and to possess and exercise all the powers and privileges appertaining to such a duly chartered Grand Body; provided however, said Rebekah Assembly abides by and remains obedient to the authority and laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California.

Therefore, we, the members of the Rebekah Assembly in this jurisdiction, acting under authority duly granted, do hereby make and declare, subject to approval by the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, the following as the Constitution of The Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California.

ARTICLE I. General Provisions

Sec. 1. This Rebekah Assembly shall be known as "The Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California.

Sec. 2. The Rituals, Constitution, Laws and Decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows are the laws of this Rebekah Assembly, and all persons by becoming or continuing as members of this Rebekah Assembly, consent and agree to acquaint themselves fully with, and abide by the same.

Sec. 3. This Rebekah Assembly shall maintain headquarters at the site of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, at Gilroy, California.

Sec. 4. The Objects and Purposes of this Rebekah Assembly are: (1) to promote the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth. (2) seek to improve and elevate the character of man. (3) to have general supervision over the Rebekah Lodges and the Theta Rho Branch within the

Jurisdiction, and including any interest that may be held in: (a) Homes (b) Camps (c) Cemeteries (d) Building Associations

A. To make recommendations to the Grand Lodge for legislation and such other matters that will improve the Rebekah Branch of the Order.

ARTICLE II. Powers

Sec. 1. This Rebekah Assembly shall have the Power and Authority to adopt, amend, or rescind, from time to time as it may deem expedient, provisions of this Constitution or such Laws and Rules of Order as are consistent with, and do not in any way contravene, the Laws of The Sovereign Grand Lodge or the Principles of the Order, and which are not otherwise reserved to itself by The Sovereign Grand Lodge.

VII – 2 CONSTITUTION – REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA

Sec. 2. This Rebekah Assembly shall have power and authority to establish Standing Rules that do not in any way contravene the laws of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, or the Principles of the Order.

Sec. 3. The Mary T. Lyon Rebekah Lodge No. 19 be created which shall be under supervision of the Rebekah Assembly Officers. The Rebekah Assembly President shall serve as Noble Grand, the Secretary as Secretary by keeping financial and other records, making reports and returns, and the Treasurer is Treasurer.

A. MEMBERSHIP (1) All members in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge which becomes defunct shall

automatically become members of Mary T. Lyon Rebekah Lodge No. 19. (2) Dues paid beyond the date the lodge becomes defunct shall be prorated and paid to Mary T.

Lyon Rebekah Lodge No. 19. (3) Members not in good standing in their home Rebekah Lodge at the time it became defunct

may become members of Mary T. Lyon Rebekah Lodge No. 19 by paying such sum as would be required to put them in good standing at such time.

B. DUES (1) Dues shall be charged by the Secretary of Rebekah Assembly in an amount equal to the per

capita dues established by the Rebekah Assembly and the Sovereign Grand Lodge plus ten dollars ($10.00).

(2) Dues shall commence on the same date lodge becomes defunct. (3) Mary T. Lyon Lodge shall pay $2.00 per member per year to the Rebekah Assembly as a

maintenance fee. C. LENGTH OF MEMBERSHIP

(1) Members of Mary T. Lyon Rebekah Lodge No. 19 may apply for membership in a Rebekah Lodge the same as any other member under the prevailing laws of the Order.

(2) Contributing members must make application for membership in an active lodge within one year, or lose their membership in the Order, unless unable to do so because of physical condition.

D. DUTIES OF SECRETARY (1) The Assembly Secretary shall keep record of the membership of Mary T. Lyon Rebekah

Lodge No. 19, and make an annual report to the Rebekah Assembly. (2) The Secretary shall maintain a separate bank account into which all income shall be

deposited and expenses incurred, including per capita dues, shall be paid. E. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY

(1) Number of Representatives shall be based on membership as set forth in Chapter IX-3 Article VIII, Section 3, of this code.

ARTICLE III. Members

Sec. 1. All Past Noble Grands and Past Grands, who are members in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge in good standing, operating under a Charter granted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of California, shall become members of this Rebekah Assembly, upon receipt of the Rebekah Assembly Degree.

Sec. 2. If a member of this Rebekah Assembly is a member of a Rebekah Lodge that is not in good standing, membership in the Rebekah Assembly is automatically terminated.

ARTICLE IV. Representatives

Sec. 1. Each Rebekah Lodge, in good standing, operating under a Charter granted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of California shall be entitled to six Representatives for its members of


thirty or under; also one Representative for every fifteen members over and above said first number of thirty or a fraction exceeding ten members in good standing. Providing however, the total number of Representatives to the Rebekah Assembly from each Lodge shall not exceed ten, exclusive of the District Deputy President during year of appointment.

Sec. 2. The powers, duties and responsibilities of Representatives are set forth in this Constitution and this Code.

ARTICLE V. Officers and Directors

Sec. 1. With the exception of the Representative, elective and appointive Officers may hold only one elective or appointive office in the Rebekah Assembly, but are not prevented from holding an elective or appointive office in other Grand Bodies.

Sec. 2. The Elective Officers are: President, Vice President, Warden, Secretary, Treasurer and Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies.

A. The President, Vice President and Warden shall be elected for a term of one year. B. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve a one-year term, and if reelected the term shall be for

five years. C. The term of the Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies shall be

for two years and shall commence with the next regular Session of the I.A.R.A. Sec. 3. The Rebekah Assembly shall also elect:

A. Three Assembly Directors, each to serve for a term of three years, with one term to expire each year. In no case, shall an Assembly Director serve more than three consecutive terms.

B. Five Directors, to serve on the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home at Gilroy; each Director to serve a term of five years, with one term to expire each year. In no case shall a Children's Home Director serve more than two consecutive terms.

C. Four Directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellows Home of California, a California Corporation; each to serve a term of three years, with one term to expire each year with two terms expiring every third year. In no case shall a director serve more than three consecutive terms.

D. Three Directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the California Youth Camp, Tuolumne County; each Director to serve for a term of three years, with one term to expire each year. In no case, shall a Youth Camp Director serve more than three consecutive terms.

E. Two Director, to serve on the Board of Director of the California Odd Fellows Foundation, at Saratoga; each Trustee to serve for a term of two years, with one term to expire each year. In no case, shall a Foundation Trustee serve more than five consecutive terms.

F. One alternate Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. Sec. 4. The Appointive Officers are: Marshal, Conductor, Chaplain, Inside Guardian, Outside

Guardian and Color Bearer. The President has the option to also appoint a Musician. Sec. 5. The elective officers, directors, Director and Alternate Representative to the International

Association of Rebekah Assemblies shall be chosen in accordance with the laws of the Rebekah Assembly. Installation of officers shall take place prior to adjournment of the annual session.

Sec. 6. The officers of this Rebekah Assembly may be installed in a Joint Installation Ceremony with the officers of the Grand Lodge of California.

Sec. 7. The duties of the Officers and Directors shall be as required by the charges of office, The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, this Constitution and this Code.

Sec. 8. Qualifications for office. (1) No member may have their name placed in nomination without having written approval

from their Rebekah Lodge stating that they are willing to support their member. (2) All nominees must have their dues paid in advance and a copy of their dues receipt


submitted with their qualifications. ARTICLE VI.

Impeachment and Removal from Office Sec. 1. An Officer, Director, Trustee, Representative or Member may be impeached or removed

from Office, suspended or expelled from membership in the Rebekah Assembly, for misconduct. A motion to impeach requires a majority vote of the voting members present for passage. Charges, with specifications, may be filed with the Secretary at any time but no action to impeach shall be taken until the accused has received three days prior written notice. A member under impeachment is entitled to a hearing and may present evidence in their own defense, during a fair trial as provided by the Laws of the Order. A two-thirds vote of the voting members present is required for conviction. Punishment shall be determined in accordance with the Laws of this Jurisdiction.

Sec. 2. When the President, or Officer acting as such, shall be on trial, or whenever a Resolution for the impeachment of the President, or Officer acting as such, shall be submitted, the Rebekah Assembly may direct any Past President to occupy the Chair, in case the Vice President and Warden disqualify themselves or are otherwise incapacitated.

Sec. 3. When a Rebekah Lodge is not in good standing, or ceases to exist for any reason other than by consolidation any Rebekah Assembly Elected Officer, Director, Trustee, Appointive Officer or member of a Standing Committee whose primary membership is in said lodge shall forfeit their aforementioned standing in the Rebekah Assembly.

ARTICLE VII. Sessions

Sec. 1. Regular sessions of this Rebekah Assembly shall be held at a site designated by the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. The Rebekah Assembly shall be called to order at 8:00 A.M., on third Monday in May, of each year, to be opened in the Rebekah Assembly Degree for the purpose of conferring the same on qualified Past Noble Grands and Past Grands, after which, the Rebekah Assembly shall meet each day thereafter, in accordance with its rules, at such hours as shall be agreed on, Sundays excepted, until the business has been completed and the session adjourned.

Sec. 3. Special Sessions may be called at the option of the President or any five members of the Executive Committee. Only such business shall be specified in the call and/or the conferring of the Rebekah Assembly Degree may be transacted at a special session. Such special sessions shall not be held unless all Rebekah Lodges are notified by mail, thirty days in advance, of the time, place, and purpose of the special session and either the President, Vice President, or Warden of the Rebekah Assembly shall be present.

ARTICLE VIII.

Rules and Practices Sec. 1. A quorum of Representatives, from six Lodges is required for the transaction of any Rebekah

Assembly business, except for the conferral of the Rebekah Assembly Degree. Sec. 2. The business of this Rebekah Assembly shall be transacted by the voting members, who are:

the Officers, Elected Directors, Elected Representatives, Past Elective Officers of this Rebekah Assembly, all Past Directors who served for a minimum of nine consecutive years, and Representatives-at-Large. Representatives-at-Large constitute District Deputy Presidents and Committee Members during their term of service who are not returned as Elected Representatives.

Sec. 3. The Rebekah Assembly may determine its own rules of order, otherwise Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail.

Sec. 4. Voting members shall have the right to speak on any subject at any session. Past Noble Grands and Past Grands, who are not voting members, may speak only after receiving


permission granted in the manner specified in the Standing Rules of the Rebekah Assembly. Sec. 5. Each voting member, except the President, shall be entitled to one vote on all questions

considered by the Rebekah Assembly. The President shall be entitled to cast the deciding vote, on any motion, in case of a tie.

Sec. 6. Each voting member, in attendance at the annual session, shall be entitled to one vote in the selection of elective Rebekah Assembly Officers, elected Directors, Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, and Alternate Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies.

ARTICLE IX. Executive Committee

Sec. 1. There shall be an Executive Committee of this Rebekah Assembly, consisting of the Junior Past President, President, Vice President, Warden, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Assembly Directors. The President shall be the chairman and the Secretary shall record the minutes of each meeting. The President and any four members of the committee may call an Executive Committee meeting and five members shall constitute a quorum. The Executive Committee shall act between sessions of the Rebekah Assembly and perform the duties specified in Chapter VIII – 14, Section 15 (A) (3), of this Code.

Sec. 2. All decisions of the President and actions of the Executive Committee between sessions of the Rebekah Assembly shall be subject to approval by the Rebekah Assembly at the next annual session. An appeal from a decision of the President, or from action of the Executive Committee shall be presented to the Rebekah Assembly in the manner provided by law.

ARTICLE X. District Deputy Presidents

Sec. 1. The President shall, at the installation of the Rebekah Assembly, or as soon as possible thereafter, appoint qualified members of the Rebekah Assembly to serve as District Deputy President in each of the several lodge districts in this jurisdiction. Additional qualifications for, and duties of the District Deputy Presidents shall be a specified in the Ritual, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and this Code.

ARTICLE XI. Revenues

Sec. 1. Revenues of this Rebekah Assembly shall be raised by per capita dues on the membership in Rebekah lodges adopted in regular session, profit from the sale of supplies, investment income, donations, devises and bequests, and income from any lawful source. Such revenues shall be used for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses of the Rebekah Assembly and the necessary expenses of support of children whenever they shall be in residence or supported by the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, founded and maintained under the auspices, authorization, or permission of this Rebekah Assembly, and for the expense of furnishing and maintaining such Home.

Sec. 2. Certificates (Transfer, Dismissal and Resignation) and Cards (Withdrawal cards either new or replacement due to loss or destruction, or duplicate cards or certificates). The fee of Certificates and Cards shall be 25% over and above the cost incurred by Rebekah Assembly in purchasing the same through Sovereign Grand Lodge, plus postage and handling.

ARTICLE XII. Laws

Sec. 1. All requirements for submitting Bills, Resolutions, and Petitions shall be as set forth in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, this Constitution, and this Code. Section 2. The Constitution and Laws of this Rebekah Assembly may not be amended, altered or revoked, except by action of the Rebekah Assembly as provided in this Constitution. No portion of the Constitution or Laws of this Rebekah Assembly, or of the Constitution or Laws of any unit


submitted to it may be stayed, suspended or annulled, except by the approval of this Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 2. The Standing Rules of this Rebekah Assembly may not be amended, altered, or revoked, except by action of this Rebekah Assembly, as provided in this Constitution.

ARTICLE XIII. Appeals to Grand Lodge

Sec. 1. When an appeal is taken from the action or decision of this Rebekah Assembly, a Notice of Appeal shall be filed with the Secretary who shall transmit to the Grand Lodge a transcript of the proceedings therein. Appeals shall be presented in accordance with Chapter VII – 4, Article VII., Section 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter II – 8, Article XII, Section 1, of this Code.

ARTICLE XIV. By-Laws

Sec. 1. The Rebekah Assembly may enact, alter or amend such By-Laws, in the manner provided in this Constitution, as it may deem necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Constitution, and of regulating the proceedings of its officers and committees, and of providing for the safety and security of the funds and property of the Rebekah Assembly, provided that, such By-Laws do not in any way contravene this Constitution.

Sec. 2. The Rebekah Assembly may make such Rules of Order as it may deem necessary for the regulation of its sessions, and for securing good order and the dispatch of business. Such Rules of Order may be suspended at any meeting by two-thirds vote; provided, that such suspension shall not extend beyond the meeting which voted therefore.

ARTICLE XV. Amendments

Sec. 1. This Constitution may be amended by submitting a Bill containing the proposed additions or amendment, in the form required by the Laws of the Rebekah Assembly, at least sixty days prior to the regular Annual Session when such Bill if it is in proper form, as provided by Chapter VIII – 22, Section 18 (B), of this Code, may be acted upon; if the Bill, as may be amended, received the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the voting members present, it shall be adopted; provided, however, if any urgency be presented, the Rebekah Assembly may, by affirmative vote of three-fourths of the voting members present, adopt a Bill presented at the Session, after it is printed and has laid over for at least one day.

Sec. 2. Amendment(s) which require a two-thirds majority for passage shall become effective, subject to the approval of the Sovereign Grand Warden and/ or The Sovereign Grand Lodge, on January 1 following adoption, or such time thereafter as shall be specified in the amendment. Amendments to this Constitution which require a three-fourth majority for passage shall become effective upon approval by the Sovereign Grand Warden and/or The Sovereign Grand Lodge.

THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA VIII – 1

CHAPTER VIII REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA

Section. 1. Duties of the President A. Generally.

(1) Officers and Directors may only be appointed to any Committee required by virtue of their Office.

(a) Shall, as President-elect, prior to the close of the annual Rebekah Assembly Session, appoint all Standing, Special, Joint Jurisdictional Committees of Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly and such additional Committees deemed necessary and appropriate.

(2) Standing Committees. The following Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President-elect to perform the duties specified in Chapter VIII – 14, Section 15 (C) , of this Code, as may be directed by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, other provisions, of this Code, and the Rebekah Assembly.

(a) Assignment (b) By-Laws of Rebekah Lodges and By-Laws of Theta Rho Girl’s Clubs (c) Credentials (d) Elsie Banbury Trust Fund (e) Finance (f) Legislation, Theta Rho Legislation and Petitions (g) State of the Order

Unless specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or this Code, persons appointed to Standing Committees shall be Representatives to Rebekah Assembly and in attendance at the session when appointed.

(3) Special Committees. The following Rebekah Assembly Special Committees shall be appointed by the President-elect, to perform the duties specified in Chapter VIII – 14, Section 15 (D) , of this Code, and as may be directed by other provisions, of this Code, the Rebekah Assembly or the President:

(a) Auditing (b) California Odd Fellow Youth Camp Festival (c) Certificate of Proficiency Perfection (d) Children's Home Festival (e) Correspondence (f) Elsie Banbury Trust Fund (g) Fraternal Novelties & Jewelry (f) Heart (g) I.A.R.A. Project (h) Institution and Rejuvenation of Lodges (i) Merit A ward (j) Odd Fellows Home B-B-Q (k) Press (l) President's Jewelry (m) Public Relations (n) Scholarship (o) Visitation Schedule .

Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or this Code, persons appointed to Special Committees shall be members of the Rebekah Assembly at the time of

VIII – 2 THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA

appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during then· tenure on the Committee.

(4) Joint Committees of Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. The President-elect shall make appointments to the following Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Committees, for such terms and to perform such duties as specified in Chapter III – 22, Section 14 (E), Chapter III – 22, Section 14 (E) (2 – 9), of this Code and as may be directed by other provisions, of this Code, the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly or the Grand Master and President:

(a) Arthritis (b) Convention (c) Disaster (d) Good-fellowship (e) Membership (f) Visual Research (g) Youth (h) Youth Education & United Nations Tour

Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or the Code, persons appointed to Rebekah Assembly Joint Committees shall be members of the Rebekah Assembly at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the Committee.

(5) Approval by Rebekah Assembly. All Committee appointments by the President shall be subject to approval by the Rebekah Assembly.

(6) Sessional Appointments. At the beginning of the Annual Rebekah Assembly Session, the President shall make necessary appointments from the Representatives present, to fill vacancies on Standing, Special and Joint Committees.

(a) The President may also appoint members to assist the Officers of the Rebekah Assembly during the Sessions and such other in session committees as deemed necessary.

(b) The names of such appointees shall appear in the Journal only. B. At Sessions.

(1) Chair Session. The President shall: (a) Preside at all sessions of the Rebekah Assembly; preserve order, and enforce the laws of

the Rebekah Assembly, or cause the same to be done during a temporary absence; (b) cast the deciding vote in cases where the votes are equally divided, except in the election

of Officers, Directors, Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, and the Alternate Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies;

(c) put all questions before the Rebekah Assembly and declare the results. C. General Powers and Duties.

(1) Supervise Affairs. The President shall have general supervision over the affairs of the Rebekah assembly, and require members to conform to the laws and customs of the Rebekah Assembly and the Order.

(2) Visitations. Shall make such visitations as set forth in the President's Visitation Schedule No I, 2, or 3, or assign same to the Vice President or the Warden as provided by this Code. Lodge visitations shall be on a rotating schedule, so that each Lodge may host a visitation on a regular basis.

(3) Weak Lodge. Shall assign the name of any Lodge seeking or needing assistance to any elective or Past Elective Officer, or to the Committee on Institution and Rejuvenation of Lodges, or qualified representative.


(4) Order Payment. Shall issue an order to the Treasurer to pay any demand on the treasury of the Rebekah Assembly that shall have been approved by the Finance Committee.

(5) Instructions. Shall give instructions in the work of the Order, to the District Deputy Presidents and/or lodges as may deem necessary.

(6) Decide Appeals on Decisions. Shall decide all appeals on questions of law which may be made from the decisions of a District Deputy President, and report any decisions to the Grand Master.

(7) Act on Complaints. Shall receive and act on all complaints in proper form which may be made against the actions of a Lodge or any of the District Deputy Presidents.

(8) Program Approval. Shall obtain approval from the Rebekah Assembly before engaging in any program which may require expenditures of funds belonging to the Rebekah Assembly, or before obligating the Rebekah Assembly to a course of action of a financial or moral nature, either directly or, indirectly.

(9) Dispensations. The President may grant dispensations to: (a) institute Rebekah Lodges, Theta Rho Assembly and Theta Rho Girl's Clubs, subject to

approval of the Executive Board, and to authorize them to work under dispensation until the next regular session of the Rebekah Assembly;

(b) allow Rebekah Lodges and Theta Rho Girls Clubs to hold meetings in places other than their regular meeting place, as fixed in their by-laws;

(c) during the absence or other incapacity of a District Deputy President, President may grant dispensations for Rebekah Lodges to:

(i) install members in the office of Vice Grand or Noble Grand who do not meet the qualifications specified in Chapter VII – 6, Part B, Section 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, providing all qualified members decline and further providing, such member meets all other qualifications for said office;

(ii) hold public installations of officers on any day of the week (this authority does not extend to joint public installations);

(iii) give social parties in the name of the Order, whether or not a donation is accepted. A copy of all dispensations granted is to be provided to the Grand Master, Secretary of the Grand Lodge and Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly.

(10) District Deputy Reports. May include in the report to the Rebekah Assembly, so much of the reports of the District Deputy Presidents as may be deemed of importance to the Order.

(11) Endowment Fund Board. Shall be a member and attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board.

(12) Youth Committee. Shall be an ex-officio member, with voice and vote, and attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

(13) Grand Bodies Joint Planning. Shall be a member and attend the meetings of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board.

(14) Other Duties. Shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly or the Grand Master.

Section. 2. Duties of the Vice President A. Generally.

(1) Support President. The Vice President shall support the President in presiding, and in the absence of the President, shall occupy the Chair.

(2) Assume the Office of President. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President, and may assign Presidential visits to elective or Past Elective Officers, for the balance of the term.


(3) Visitations. Shall make during the term, official visitation to Rebekah Lodges as directed by the President or the Rebekah Assembly. Such official visitations shall not exceed five in number.

(4) Instructions. Shall give instructions in the laws, usages, and purposes of the Order. (5) Attend Director Meetings. Shall attend at least one meeting of each of the several Boards

namely, the Odd Fellows Home of California Board, California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Board, California Odd Fellows Foundation Board and all meetings of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Board.

(6) Endowment Fund Board. Shall be a member and shall attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board.

(7) Youth Committee. Shall be an ex-officio member, with voice and vote and shall attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.


(9) Serve on Committees. Shall serve on such committees, by virtue of the office, as shall be specified in the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, this Code or as directed by the Rebekah Assembly.

(10) Itinerary. Shall prepare a full calendar of official visits for the Presidential year. (11) Other Duties. Shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah

Assembly or the President. Section. 3. Duties of the Warden.

A. Generally (1) Assist President. The Warden shall assist the President in conducting the Business of the

Rebekah Assembly. Shall, under the direction of the President, have special charge of the door; and in the absence of both the President and Vice President, shall preside.

(2) Instructions. Shall, be qualified to give instructions in the laws, usages, and purposes of the Order.

(3) Visitations. Shall officially visit Rebekah Lodges, when and as directed by the President, such required visitations not to exceed five in number.

(4) Attend Director Meetings. Shall, during the term, attend at least one meeting of each of the several Boards namely, the Odd Fellows Home of California Board, California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Board, California Odd Fellows Foundation Board and all meetings of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Board.

(5) Endowment Fund Board. Shall be a member and shall attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board.

(6) Youth Committee. Shall be an ex-officio member, with voice and vote, and shall attend the meetings of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.



(9) Other Duties. Shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly or the President.

Section. 4. Duties of the Secretary. A. Generally.

(1) Acquire Bond. Shall submit to the Grand Lodge Secretary at the beginning of each Rebekah Assembly year the names of their Directors, and elected Officers for the purpose of


including them in the coverage for personal liability in the surety bond of Grand Lodge. The cost of said surety bond shall be prorated between the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.

(2) Maintain Office. Shall maintain an office at the site of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, in Gilroy, California.

(3) Clerical. Shall select and employ, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, such clerical personnel as the workload requires. Terms of employment for such personnel shall be as specified by the Executive Committee.

(4) At the Session. Shall attend all sessions of the Rebekah Assembly and at the sessions shall call roll, read all minutes and communications, and make a true record of the proceedings.

(5) Compile Journal. Shall, as soon as practicable after the close of the Annual Session, compile a Journal of Proceedings of the Annual Session. All lodges and members wanting a journal must pay a fee as set by the Finance Committee. Orders will be taken at Rebekah Assembly and also a form will be sent to Lodges for orders for Journals.

(6) Fiscal Duties. The Secretary shall keep the accounts between the Rebekah Assembly and its Components; receive all monies coming to the Rebekah Assembly office and deposit same in a bank recommended by the Executive Committee and a majority of the Finance Committee; such deposit(s) shall be in the name of the Rebekah Assembly of California; keep all accounts in such a manner as will exhibit the sources and amount of all receipts, and the recipient and amount of all disbursements; countersign checks drawn for the lawful disbursement of funds; each month furnish to the Elective Officers and Assembly Directors an account of all monies received during the month, and a copy of the bank statement showing the amount of funds in the bank to the credit of the Rebekah Assembly; close all accounts on the 31st day of December, annually, and submit to the Finance Committee, the funds in custody, or the evidence of the deposit thereof in the bank; report to the Rebekah Assembly annually, the receipts and disbursements of the previous year as well as reporting the financial conditions of the Rebekah Assembly as it stood at the end of the fiscal year.

(7) Serve on Boards. Shall serve as Secretary on the Boards of Directors of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund and the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, and perform the duties specified in Chapter XXII – 4, Section 3 (B). and Chapter XXIV – 15, Section 2, of this Code.


(9) The Secretary, in addition to the duties specified above, shall also: (a) on or before the first day of April each year, mail a copy of all proposed legislation,

including Theta Rho legislation, to each Rebekah Lodge, Rebekah Assembly Officer, and Past Elective Officer, and to each member of the Assignment, Finance, Legislation, Petitions, State of the Order and Theta Rho Legislation Committee, and ten copies to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge.

(b) issue all necessary notices and circulars to Component Units, Representatives and Officers;

(c) provide all stationery for the use of the Rebekah Assembly and superintend such printing as the Rebekah Assembly shall direct;

(d) maintain an inventory of supplies which may be purchased by lodges and members in this jurisdiction.

(e) prepare a catalog and price list of all supplies available through the Rebekah Assembly, and transmit a copy to all Rebekah Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs;


(f) furnish supplies to lodges, clubs, and members ordering same, under the conditions and in the manner specified in Chapter XXVIII – 3, Section 4, of this Code.

(g) inform Rebekah lodges of the contents of official communications from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies , and the Grand Lodge, with thirty days of receipt;

(h) furnish to the Committees on Finance, By-Laws of Rebekah Lodges, and By-Laws of Theta Rho Girls Clubs, Legislation, State of the Order, and Theta Rho Legislation and petitions, one copy each of the current office report of the proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, current Journal of the Grand Lodge, current Journal of the Rebekah Assembly, and this Code; and shall keep them during the interim of the session of the Rebekah Assembly;

(i) on receipt of the required number of copies of proposed Bylaws or amendments thereof, properly certified under seal of a Rebekah Lodge, forthwith submit same to the committee of Bylaws of Rebekah Lodges who shall without delay, review and return the Bylaws. A copy shall then be sent, together with the committee's report thereon, to the Rebekah Lodge submitting same and an approved copy shall be filed with the Secretary;

(j) on receipt of By-Laws and/or amendments scheduled for review, properly record and submit same to the Committee on By-Laws Review;

(k) forward all communications addressed to committees of the Rebekah Assembly, and from committees to Lodges or individuals, as may be necessary to facilitate the work of the committee.

(l) send all Appeals from the action of the Rebekah Assembly to the Grand Lodge as provided by law;

(m) attest communications of the President; send blank reporting forms, in duplicate, to each Rebekah Lodge; in triplicate, to each Theta Rho Girls' Club, the originals of which shall be returned to the Rebekah Assembly Office when completed. A copy of each Theta Rho Girls' Club report shall be given to the Youth Committee member who has Jurisdiction over the Club.

(n) place at the end of the Journal, a roster of Rebekah Lodges, with their mailing address, meeting place, meeting nights, and the membership reported on their most recent semi-annual report;

(o) place at the end of the Rebekah Assembly Journal, a roster of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, with their mailing address, meeting place, meeting nights, name of their advisor, and the name of the sponsoring Rebekah Lodge(s);

(p) include in the Journal the total amount of all disbursements for each committee receiving an allowance;

(q) include in the Journal a list of all contributions received; (r) issue such cards, certificates or other documents as may be required by the laws of the

Order, the Sovereign Grand Lodge or the Rebekah Assembly; (s) mail directly to the Office of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, no later

than December 31st and June 30th of each year, all monies received for any and all projects of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and/or the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies;

(t) attend all the Sessions of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies and International Secretaries Association and be allowed from the General Fund of the Rebekah Assembly, for legitimate expense, a sum equal to the mileage and per diem paid the Representative of this Jurisdiction, by the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies.

(u) attend the annual session of the Theta Rho Assembly and lend assistance to the Committee on Registration and Mileage;


(v) mail, without undue delay, following the annual session of the Rebekah Assembly, to each Theta Rho Girls' Club, the President and Vice President of the Theta Rho Assembly, and each member of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee, the results of the action taken on all Theta Rho legislation; and, perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly, the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, this Code, or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(w) the Rebekah Assembly shall NOT sell or distribute for any purpose outside the fraternity, any of the members rosters, mailing lists, including personal information held by, the Rebekah Assembly or its local Lodges, to any person or persons, institutions or agencies for sales promotions, or for other purposes within or without the Rebekah Assemblies, without the expressed permission of the member. Further any distribution must have the expressed permission of the voting members of the Rebekah Assembly present and voting at any regular Annual or called Special Session.

Section. 5. Duties of the Treasurer. A. Generally.

(1) Execute Bond. The Treasurer, prior to assuming the duties of Office, shall furnish a bond, under the same terms and conditions required of the Secretary, as specified in Chapter VIII – 5, Section 4 (A.) (1), of this Code.

(2) Attend Sessions. Shall attend all sessions of the Rebekah Assembly. (3) Serve on Boards. Shall serve as Treasurer on the Boards of Directors for the Rebekah

Assembly Endowment Fund and the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home, and perform the duties specified in Chapter XXII – 4, Section 3 (B), and Chapter XXIV – 15, Section 2, of this Code.


(5) Fiscal Duties. The Treasurer shall: (a) pay all orders drawn by the President, under seal of the Rebekah Assembly; such payment

shall be made by issuing a check or draft on the Rebekah Assembly account, with the check or draft to be countersigned by the Secretary;

(b) attend the annual session of the Theta Rho Assembly and lend assistance to the Committee on Registration and Mileage.

(6) Other Duties. Perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly, the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, this Code or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Section. 6. Duties of the Junior Past President. A. Generally.

(1) Endowment Fund Board. Shall be a member and shall attend the meeting of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board.

(2) Other Duties. Perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly, the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, this Code, or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Section. 7. Duties of the Assembly Directors. A. Generally.

(1) Secure Bond. Each Assembly Director, prior to entering upon the duties of Assembly Director, shall furnish a bond, under the terms and conditions required of the Secretary, as specified in Chapter VIII – 5, Section 4 (A) (1), of this Code.

(2) Organization Of. The Assembly Directors shall organize as a Board, with a President, Vice President, and Secretary.

(3) Hold in Trust. The Assembly Directors shall hold in trust such funds, stocks, bonds, securities, certificates, investments, and other property, as the Rebekah Assembly may


from time to time place in its custody and control, or which may otherwise come into its possession, and shall transfer, exchange, or deposit the same, or any part thereof, as the Rebekah Assembly may direct.

(4) Keep Records. The Assembly Directors shall keep a full and correct account of all monies received, transferred or invested, and report, in writing to the Rebekah Assembly at each annual session, the business transacted by the Board during the term, together with a particular statement of the funds and investments belonging to the Rebekah Assembly.

(5) Maintain Inventory. The Board shall maintain an up-to-date inventory of the property of the Rebekah Assembly.

(6) Endowment Fund Board. The Assembly Directors shall serve on the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board, as specified in Chapter XXII – 3, Section 3 (B), of this Code.

(7) Audit Books. The Board shall, at least twice a year, or more frequently as they may deem necessary, examine the books, accounts and vouchers in the hands of the Secretary, and also count any monies and examine the books and vouchers in the hands of the Treasurer.

(8) Other Duties. The Assembly Directors shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Rebekah Assembly or the Executive Committee.

Section. 8. Other Directors. A. Generally.

(1) The duties of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Directors, Odd Fellows Home of California Directors, California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Directors, and Odd Fellows Foundation Directors shall be as set forth in their respective sections of Chapter XXIV – 1, of this Code.

B. Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board. (1) The three Assembly Directors, Junior Past President, President, Vice President, Warden,

Secretary, and Treasurer, by virtue of their Office shall serve on the Board of Directors of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund, with powers and duties specified in Chapter XXII – 3, Section 3 (B), of this Code.

Section. 9. Duties of the Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. (I.A.R.A.)

A. Generally. (1) As Specified By I.A.R.A. The major duties of the Representative shall be as specified in the

Constitution of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies and The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(2) Reports. The Representative, in addition to the report to the Rebekah Assembly as required by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, shall also, within thirty days following the close of the Session, render a detailed report on all Legislation and Resolutions adopted by The Sovereign Grand Lodge pertaining to Rebekah Assembly, Rebekah Lodges, Theta Rho Assembly and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs to be acted upon by the Rebekah Assembly at its next Session in accordance with Chapter VIII – 22, Section 18 (A) (1), of this Code.

Section. 10. Reports of Elective Officers and Directors.

A. Generally. (1) Shall Report. All elective officers and the several Boards of Directors shall, at least sixty

days prior to the annual session, submit to the secretary, a report of their activities during the term, with any supporting documents required by the Laws of the Rebekah Assembly.

Section. 11. Duties of Appointive Officers. A. Generally.


(1) The general duties of the appointive officers shall be as required by the charges and usages of the Order.

Section. 12. District Deputy Presidents. A. Qualifications.

(1) Member In Good Standing. Each District Deputy President shall be a member in good standing in the Rebekah Assembly.

(2) Knowledge. Each candidate for District Deputy President shall become fully familiar with the contents of the Ritual, Constitutions, laws and customs of the Order relating to Rebekah Lodges in order to be qualified to perform all duties pertaining to the office of District Deputy President.

(3) Proficiency. Each candidate for District Deputy President shall commit to memory and be able to recite the unwritten work of the Rebekah Degree and the charges of the District Deputy President pertaining to the Installation of Officers, in a proficient manner and without the use of any aids.

(4) Trained Leader. Should be a trained leader and exhibit, by personal example, an enthusiastic willingness to at all times work for the best interests of the Order.

(5) Examination Of. Candidates for District Deputy President shall present themselves to the Committee on Examination of District Deputy Presidents no later than the close of the first day of the Annual Session, and shall pass an examination administered by a member of the Committee in the Unwritten Work and the Charges of the District Deputy President, before being certified to the President-elect as qualified to assume the duties of Office. In cases where a current District Deputy President has been recommended for reappointment, the examination may be waived by the incoming President.

(6) May Hold Office. District Deputy Presidents may hold any Elective or Appointive Office in their Lodge, and shall be installed into Office by a qualified Past Noble Grand.

B. Generally. (1) Term. The term of the District Deputy President is concurrent with that of the President who

made the appointment, and begins upon receipt of the official commission from the President, and shall be effective until the successor is commissioned.

(2) Visitations. District Deputy Presidents shall: (a) make official visitations to each Lodge in the District as required by the incoming

President; (b) attend the Official Visitation of the President, or officer designated by the President, to a

Lodge within the District; and be encouraged to attend all visitations of the President in the area; and,

(c) be encouraged to visit all Lodges in the District on a regular and frequent basis. (3) Appoint Installation Staff. Shall appoint a staff to assist in the installation of officers.

Installing Officer, representing Rebekah Assembly Officers, as specified in the Installation Ceremony, shall be Past Noble Grands or Past Grands in good standing, staff escorts need not necessarily be, however, preference shall be given to Past Noble Grands or Past Grands.

(4) District Meeting. Shall organize and be chairman of the District Planning Committee, which shall include one member from each Lodge in the district, whose duties are to arrange at least one District Meeting during the term; the President of the Rebekah Assembly, or a duly authorized representative, shall instruct the members in the laws and customs of the Order at said meeting.

The District Meeting may be held either in the day or night time in accordance with the desires of the majority of the members in the district.


The costs of District Meeting shall be prorated among the lodges comprising the district.

(5) Report Annually. To The President. Shall, on or before the fifteenth day of March, submit a written report to the President. The report shall contain:

(a) a list of all installations of officers performed and a statement whether the installation was a Public Installation, Joint Public Installation, or Closed Installation,

(b) a list of dispensations granted and the reason therefore; (c) a list of all Meetings held; (d) a list of visits in the district and the nature of same; (e) a statement of the general condition of each Lodge in the district; and, (f) any other matters pertinent to the district or to the Order which may be deemed of

importance. (6) Additional Powers and Duties. In addition to the powers and duties specified above, each

District Deputy President, in conjunction with the duties prescribed in Chapter III – 16, Section 11 (B). (1), of this Code, shall:

(a) be in attendance for the entire Rebekah Assembly session at which time he/she will receive his/her commission; and also attend every session of the School of Instruction for District Deputy Presidents held in conjunction with the annual session, unless such attendance is waived by the Vice President;

(b) enforce a due observance of the laws of the Order in the District, and see that the work of the Order is performed uniformly;

(c) have authority to grant dispensations for Rebekah lodges within the district to: (i) install members in the Office of Vice Grand or Noble Grand who do not meet the

qualifications specified in Chapter VIII – 5, Part B, Section 1, (G) (2), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, providing all qualified members decline, and further providing, such member meets all other qualifications for said Office;

(ii) hold public installations of officers on any day of the week (this authority does not extend to joint public installations), and

(iii) give social parties in the name of the Order, whether or not a donation is accepted. (iv) have money making projects within the Lodge or within their own Districts, but in no

case shall a Lodge solicit to Lodges or members of Lodges that are not assigned to or are part of the District over which the District Deputy President grant the dispensation presides.

(d) conduct an examination of Officers as specified in Chapter VIII – 5, Part B, Section 1 (G) (1), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and in addition, examine the Noble Grand-elect and the Vice Grand-elect as specified in Chapter X – 3, Article VII, Section 4, of this Code;

(e) collect from each lodge in their district and check for accuracy, all Reports and per capita dues owed the Rebekah Assembly, and forward them immediately to the Secretary;

(f) on or before the last meeting of November, procure from his/her Lodge and file with the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly, a certificate stating that he/her is in good standing, with dues paid at least 90 days in advance, and is entitled to receive the new annual and term passwords;

(g) be empowered to work with the District Deputy Grand Master of the corresponding Odd Fellow Lodges District, on any mutual projects for the good of the Order that may be approved by a majority of the Rebekah and Odd Fellow Lodges in the districts; such projects shall not indebt the Rebekah Assembly or Grand Lodge in any way;

(h) communicate with Lodges in writing on all questions of law or custom;


(i) decide all questions of law submitted to in writing under seal of the Lodge, by any Lodge in her/his jurisdiction and immediately report all decisions rendered to the President for approval;

(j) immediately report to the President all cases of willful violation of the laws of the Order, by any Rebekah Lodge;

(k) appoint such District Committee Chairman as shall be required by the President or this Code; and,

(l) perform such other duties as may be required by the President or the Rebekah Assembly. Section. 13. Elections.

A. Nominations. (1) When. Nominations for all Elective Officers, Directors, and Alternate Representative to the

International Association of Rebekah Assemblies shall be made on the First Day of the Annual Session

(2) Order of. The order of nomination shall be: President, Vice President, Warden, Secretary, Treasurer, Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, Assembly Director, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Director, Odd Fellows Home of California Director, California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Director, California Odd Fellows Foundation Director, Odd Fellow and Alternate to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. If there is a vacancy in an unexpired term, on a Board of Directors, the nomination to fill such unexpired term shall be held immediately after the closing of nominations for the full term on the same Board of Directors.

(3) Eligibility. Any Past Noble Grand or Past Grand in attendance at the Session shall have the privilege to nominate any Past Noble Grand or Past Grand in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge in good standing who has received the Assembly Degree for any elected Office.

(4) Qualifications. Written qualifications, not to exceed one hundred words, are required for all nominees, incumbents may be excluded. They shall be presented to the Secretary, prior to nominations, so that they may be read following the presentation of nominee and shall be printed in the First Day Proceedings. Additionally the following qualifications apply:

(a) All Candidates: (i) must have written approval of their Rebekah Lodge. (ii) must have their dues paid one year in advance. (iii) must have attended (3) prior sessions of the Rebekah Assembly of California. (iv) prior attendance at the board meetings concerning the office for which they wish to be

nominated is strongly recommended. (b) President:

(i) must have served a term or completed a term as Vice President. (c) Vice President:

(i) must have served or completed a term as Warden. (d) Warden:

(i) should have some kind of business experience. (ii) should have a working knowledge of Robert's Code of California Odd Fellow Laws as

well as The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws. (e) Secretary:

(i) must have computer skills. (ii) must have secretarial and bookkeeping skills. (iii) should have managerial skills. (iv) must have knowledge of business machines. (v) must relocate to Gilroy.


(f) Treasurer: (i) must have business and bookkeeping skills. (ii) must have investment knowledge.

(g) Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies: (i) must have a working knowledge of Robert’s Code of California Odd Fellow Laws as

well as The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws. (h) Directors:

(i) should have business skills. (ii) should have managerial skills. (iii) must have a working knowledge of Robert’s Code of California Odd Fellows Laws as

well as The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws in relationship to the board to which they wish to be nominated.

(5) Consent Required. All Past Noble Grands and/or Past Grands shall obtain the consent of the member to be nominated, prior top placing name in nomination.

All nominees must have written consent from their lodges prior to having their names placed in nomination except when a vacancy is not known for four weeks prior to Assembly.

(6) All Candidates for Director of Odd Fellows Home of California must meet the requirements specified in Chapter XXIV – 8, Article V, Section 5.3 (4), of this Code.

B. Ballots.

(1) Printed Ballots. After the close of all nominations the President shall order ballots printed containing names of each nominee, under the proper caption of the office for which each was nominated.

(2) Only For Contested Offices. If there be only one nominee for an office, neither the caption of the office nor the nominee need be listed on the printed ballot.

(3) Legal Ballots. Only official ballots printed by the Rebekah Assembly shall be distributed or used on the floor of the Rebekah Assembly, or by the members thereof.

C. Election

(1) When. The election of all Officers, Directors, and Alternate Representative to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies shall be held on the Second Day of the session immediately following the Report of the Credentials Committee.

(2) The Rebekah Assembly will elect Officers without regard to previous service in Office, and will not as a matter of course advance the Vice Presidents to the Office of President or the Warden to the Office of Vice President.

(3) Introduction. Prior to the appointment of tellers, each nominee shall be introduced. (4) Voice Vote. In all cases where only one candidate has been nominated for an office, the

election may be held by voice vote.

(5) Collectors and Tellers. Before balloting commences, the President shall appoint a sufficient number of members, to act as tellers to canvass the same.

(6) Distribution. One ballot shall be given to each voting member of the Rebekah Assembly.

(7) Balloting. Each voting member of the Assembly in attendance at Annual Session shall cast their ballot for one Candidate for each Office (unless otherwise instructed), by placing a check mark or cross upon the ballot in the box opposite the name of the candidate for whom the member desires to vote.

(8) Collection of Ballots. When the ballot is being taken, every person in the room, except the collectors, shall be seated and remain seated. When the balloting is completed the collectors shall simultaneously start from the head of the room (that nearest the President's station) and proceed together to collect the ballots, in order, from the voting members in


their respective rows of seats and from no others. The tellers will then be instructed to assume their position to receive the ballots, from the collectors, and shall immediately retire to the anteroom where they shall proceed to count the ballots.

(9) Business May Continue. While the tellers are counting the ballots, the Rebekah Assembly may continue its regular order of business, however, it shall always be in order to receive the report of the tellers and declare the result.

(10) Majority Necessary. In recording the votes cast, the tellers ignore blank ballots and do not credit illegal votes to any candidate or choice. All blanks must be ignored as scrap paper, since members who do not wish to vote may adopt this method of concealing the fact. Any nominee receiving a majority of recorded votes cast for that office shall be declared elected.

(a) The majority of ballot election will only be set by ballots that are not blank. (11) Second Ballot. If no majority is received by any nominee on the first ballot, a second ballot

shall be taken in the same manner as designated in paragraph (6) above, with the second ballot being confined to the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes for each office (or the top two candidates if there were only three candidates for an office on the first ballot) where no election resulted on the first ballot.

(12) Third Ballot. If there be no election on the second ballot, a third ballot shall be held with the vote confined to the two candidates receiving the highest vote on the second ballot.

Section. 14. Filling of Vacancies. When a vacancy exists either by resignation, suspension, expulsion, removal, impeachment,

death, or if the officer or the officer's lodge does not remain in good standing, it shall be filled as follows:

A. Elective Rebekah Assembly Officers. (1) President. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall

assume and discharge the duties of the vacant office, until the next session of the Rebekah Assembly.

(2) Vice President. Warden. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice President or Warden, the office shall remain vacant until the next session of the Rebekah Assembly.

(3) Secretary. Treasurer. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary or Treasurer, the President, within thirty days, shall appoint, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, a member of the Rebekah Assembly to fill the office until the next session of the Rebekah Assembly.

(4) Representatives to the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. if the representative is unable to attend the annual Session of International Association of Rebekah Assemblies due to illness or other circumstances, the alternate shall become the representative.

B. Assembly Directors. (1) In the event of a vacancy in the office of Assembly Director, the President, within thirty days,

shall appoint, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, a member of the Rebekah Assembly to assume and discharge the duties of Assembly Director until the next session of the Rebekah Assembly.

C. Other Directors (1) Vacancies on the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow- Rebekah Children's Home,

California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp Board, California Odd Fellows Foundation Board or the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Fund shall be filled by appointment of the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Rebekah Assembly of a qualified member to serve until the next session of the Rebekah Assembly.

(2) Vacancies for Director of Odd Fellows Home of California shall be filled as specified in Chapter XXIV – 9, Article V, Section 5.9, of this Code.


Section. 15. Committees of the Rebekah Assembly. A. Executive Committee.

(1) Members. The members of the Executive Committee are as specified in Article IX, Section 1, of the Constitution of Rebekah Assembly.

(2) Majority Required. Any action of the Executive Committee shall require the approval of a majority of its members.

(3) Duties. The Executive Committee acting between sessions of the Rebekah Assembly shall: (a) have power to change bank(s) in which the funds of the Rebekah Assembly are deposited.

If such change is recommended by the Treasurer and a majority of the Finance Committee, said majority to include the vote of the Chairman;

(b) require the proper bonding of persons in control of the funds or property of the Rebekah Assembly as prescribed in Chapter VIII – 5, Section 4 (A) (1), of this Code;

(c) require bonding of Officers and Trustees of Component Units; (d) designate a member of the Rebekah Assembly to countersign checks, if either the

Treasurer or Secretary is unable or incapable of signing checks. Such authorization shall be effective only after an examination of the books of the Treasurer and/or Secretary by the Finance Committee, and after such designee is properly insured, as specified in sub-paragraph (b) above; Exercise the responsibilities and duties designated for them relative to Homes and Camps as set forth in Chapter XXIV – 1, of this Code;

(e) exercise the responsibilities and duties designated for them relative to Homes and Camps as set forth in Chapter XXIV – 1, of this Code.

(f) engage the services of a Certified Public Accountant to examine annually, the several Funds of the Rebekah Assembly; and,

(g) perform such other duties as may be specified by this Code or the Rebekah Assembly; (h) to negotiate annually the fee charged to the Children's Home for services rendered by the

Rebekah Assembly Office in maintaining the funds of the Children's Home and other duties. To be presented to the Children's Home Board of Directors on or before the first day of December of each year.

B. Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board of California. (1) Members from Rebekah Assembly. The President, Vice President, Warden, shall represent

the Rebekah Assembly on the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Board. (2) Duties. This Committee shall function as specified in Chapter XXXI – 1, Section 1 (A), of

The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws. C. Standing Committees of the Rebekah Assembly

(1) Generally. Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, or other provisions of this Code, members appointed to Standing Committees by the President shall:

(a) be Elected Representatives or Past Elected Officers of the Rebekah Assembly at the time of appointment;

(b) be in attendance at the session when appointed; and (c) not serve on more than one Standing Committee during a term.

(2) Assignment. The Committee on Assignment shall consist of two members who shall review all Bills, Resolutions and Petitions submitted to them and assign same to the proper committees for action thereon.

(3) The Committee on By-Laws of Rebekah Lodges and By-Laws of Theta Rho Girls’ Clubs shall consist of the Rebekah Assembly Executive Board with the senior Rebekah Assembly Warden acting as chairman who shall:


(a) annually, on a uniform rotating basis, call in the By-Laws of one quarter of the Rebekah Lodges/Theta Rho Clubs for review and possible correction, in order that the By-Laws of each Rebekah Lodge/Theta Rho Club are reviewed at least every four years.

(b) report annually to the Rebekah Assembly on the By-Laws reviewed and found to be correct, also on those found to be incorrect and returned for corrections, including Lodge name and number.

(c) recommend alterations of the By-Laws they are reviewing, in letter form, as well make them conform to the Laws and Regulations of the Order.

(d) examine and report, including the Lodge/Club name and number, on proposed By-Laws of Rebekah Lodges/Theta Rho Clubs or amendments to existing By-Laws referred to them and approved.

(e) examine and, if correct, approve, the Bylaws of Rebekah Lodges/Theta Rho Clubs that may be submitted to them previous to being printed.

(f) assist such special committees as may be appointed from time to time, to revise the handbook of “Instructions for Rebekah Lodges”.

(4) Credentials. The Committee on Credentials shall consist of a Chairman and Co-Chairman with a committee of a minimum of five (5), maximum of ten (10) members who shall:

(a) examine and report to the Rebekah Assembly on the credentials and certificates of members, visitors, and candidates for the Rebekah Assembly Degree;

(b) issue appropriate Badges to all Officers, Representatives, Representatives-at-Large, Directors, Past Elective Officers, Directors Emeritus and Visitors attending the Session; and

(c) distribute copies of the Advance Proceedings and proposed legislation to all qualified members registered.

(5) Elsie Banbury Trust Fund. This committee shall consist of the Vice President of the Rebekah Assembly, the Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee and the President of the Theta Rho Assembly, by virtue of her office. The Vice President of the Rebekah Assembly will serve as Chairman.

(6) Finance. The Committee on Finance shall consist of five members and shall include two members who served previously, a majority of whom shall be resident of the area in which the Rebekah Assembly headquarters are located, and who shall:

(a) examine and pass on all claims against the Rebekah Assembly, and report on same previous to their being approved for payment by the Rebekah Assembly or Executive Committee;

(b) examine the accounts of the Secretary, Treasurer, and Assembly Directors annually on a calendar year basis;

(c) examine the accounts of the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board, whenever they deem necessary;

(d) examine the accounts of such other officers, boards, or committees under the authority and responsibility of the Rebekah Assembly when directed to do so by the Rebekah Assembly or the Executive Committee;

(e) when examining the accounts and books of any officer, board, or committee to ascertain the funds on hand of each, report the results of this examination and the condition of the finances of each, to the Rebekah Assembly;

(f) ascertain on the last business day of each Annual Session, the estimated receipts and the amount required to cover the expenses of the Assembly for the coming year;

(g) suggest methods of financing such deficits, including assessments upon the membership of Rebekah Lodges; and

(h) prepare a budget in such form that, when proposed, will reflect the budget for the previous year, the amount expended per item and the amount proposed for the coming year, including a provision for Past Officers’ Jewels. Also included, in like form, shall be the salaries of the office staff, by position and itemizing the amounts of insurance paid for


each by the Rebekah Assembly. In addition cause to be mailed to each Rebekah Lodge prior to the Annual Session a copy of the proposed budget.

(7) Legislation, Theta Rho Legislation and Petitions. The Committee on Legislation, Theta Rho Legislation and Petitions shall consist of five members, and shall include two members who served previously, who shall examine and report on all proposed amendments of the Constitution and Laws governing the Rebekah Assembly, act as Liaison to the Grand Lodge Committee on Rebekah Legislation, and such other matters as may be referred to them by the Rebekah Assembly or President.

(a) shall review all petitions referred to them, and report their decisions as they may deem proper;

(b) examine, prior to the annual session of the Theta Rho Assembly, all proposed amendments of the Constitution and Laws governing the Theta Rho Assembly and Theta Rho Girls’ Clubs, and standing Rules of Theta Rho;

(c) report on all Theta Rho legislation referred to them. (8) State of the Order.

(a) The Committee on State of the Order shall consist of five members, who shall examine and report on all Resolutions pertaining to Standing Rules, and such other matters, as may be referred to them by the Rebekah Assembly or President.

(b) Review all existing Standing Rules to ascertain that those approved, amended or repealed have been printed and/or deleted accordingly in the Journal of Proceedings.

(c) Compare all approved Bills, with the Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Laws. (d) Report, on (b) and (c) above, at the Annual Session of Rebekah Assembly.

D. Special Committees of the Rebekah Assembly. (1) Generally. Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or this

Code, persons appointed to Special Committees shall be members of the Rebekah Assembly at the time of appointment, however, they do not have to be Representatives when appointed or at any time during their tenure on the Committee.

(2) Auditing Committee. The Chairman of this committee shall be the Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly, who with the concurrence of the President shall designate qualified members of the Rebekah Assembly to perform audits.

(a) This committee shall have the authority to audit all books and property of any Rebekah Lodge, Theta Rho Girls’ Club, corporation or other entity established or in which any Rebekah Lodge or entity has an interest, whenever.

(i) requested by the President of the Rebekah Assembly or Grand Master; (ii) requested by a lodge, club and corporation when such request is under seal of the lodge

(if applicable) and properly signed by the presiding officer and attested by the secretarial officer;

(iii) the Secretary or Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly determines that a report sent to the Rebekah Assembly may be incorrect or falsified;

(iv) there is other evidence that the funds or assets of the entity are being dissipated, or that the entity has become inactive;

(v) the lodge or club fails to complete and submit in a timely manner required semi-annual or annual report;

(vi) when a lodge or club is seeking to consolidate; (vii) the entity is seeking to purchase or sell real property; or (viii) a member of the Order, in a sworn affidavit, alleges financial irregularities.

(b) Committee members shall be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses associated with the audit. Reimbursement shall be made, only after submission of a written report on the audit to the auditing committee chairman and upon presentation to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly with a properly completed expense voucher accompanied by receipts and other supporting documents, and upon approval of the Executive Committee of the


Rebekah Assembly and the Finance committee. No more than three members of the committee shall receive reimbursement for the same audit.

(c) When audits are performed pursuant to subsections (a) (i) through (a) (vi), or when an audit is performed under subsection (a) (viii) and chargeable irregularities are found, the entity audited shall, whenever funds are available, reimburse the Rebekah Assembly for all reimbursable expenses incurred by the committee relative to the audit.

(3) California Odd Fellow Rebekah Youth Camp Festival. This Committee shall consist of a minimum of five members but no more than eight, one of whom to be Co-Chairman appointed to this Committee upon recommendation of the Vice President of the Rebekah Assembly, who shall coordinate all activities of the Youth Camp Festival with the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow Rebekah Youth Camp.

(4) Certificate of Proficiency/Perfection. The Committee on Certificate of Proficiency/Perfection shall consist of a Chairman and two members (one North and one South) who shall:

(a) examine members presenting themselves in the unwritten work of the Rebekah Degree; (b) recommend to the Rebekah Assembly those members found to be proficient to receive a

Certificate of Proficiency; (c) recommend to the Rebekah Assembly those members found to be perfect to receive a

Certificate of Perfection. (5) Correspondence/Press. The committee on Correspondence/Press shall consist of a

Chairman and four members, who shall correspond with officers of other jurisdictions on matters of mutual interest, and prepare and present the President’s Book.

(a) The committee shall publicize activities of the Order, to local news media and to the California Odd Fellow and Rebekah News.

(6) Fraternal Novelties, Jewelry and IARA Sales. The Committee on Fraternal Novelties, Jewelry and IARA Sales shall consist of a Chairman and five members but no more than eight who shall:

(a) daily, during Rebekah Assembly, sell jewelry, novelties and IARA items supplied by the Rebekah Assembly;

(b) daily turn in all proceeds there from to the Rebekah Assembly Directors; (c) attend Special Sessions of the Rebekah Assembly, whenever possible, placing on display

and selling jewelry and novelty items supplied by the Rebekah Assembly; (d) at the close of each Special Session of the Rebekah Assembly, turn over all monies from

sales, to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly; (e) annually, on December 31st, or as soon as possible thereafter take inventory of stock on

hand, sending detailed list to the Rebekah Assembly office; (f) shall promote the programs of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies

President, and make available for sale to the members, the jewelry of the International President.

(7) Heart. This Committee shall consist of a State Chairman and two members. The State Chairman shall coordinate the statewide activities. The Committee shall encourage every lodge to engage in a project for the benefit of the California Heart Association in its efforts to reduce the ravages of heart and cardiovascular diseases.

(8) Institution and Rejuvenation of Lodges. This Committee shall consist of a Chairman and six members. This Committee shall assist Lodges who are considering consolidation or surrender of their Charter. They shall also assist in rejuvenation of weak Rebekah Lodges by offering counsel and advice on methods of retaining and increasing their membership.

(9) Merit Award. This Committee shall consist of three members whose duty shall be to select from applications received from Rebekah Lodges, those member(s) to be awarded the Merit Award for outstanding lodge and community service.

(10) Odd Fellow Home Bar-B-Q. This committee shall consist of a Chairman who is appointed by the California Home Board.


(11) President’s Project Sales. This Committee shall consist of a Chairman and four members who shall make available for sale to the members the jewelry and/or items of the President of the Rebekah Assembly.

(12) Public Relations and Community Service. This Committee shall consist of a Chairman and four members who shall work to:

(a) secure favorable publicity for the Order in this jurisdiction; (b) promote contact and favorable relations with newspapers, radio, television, and special

events media; (c) develop and provide to the lodges, public relations programs and activities which may be

used to promote a favorable image of our lodges and Order within our communities and throughout the jurisdiction;

(d) conduct a Public Relations workshop at the annual Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly sessions;

(e) work with the District Deputies and the Membership Committee coordinators in developing promotional campaigns aimed at increasing membership; and

(f) perform such other duties in the area of public relations as shall benefit the Order. This Committee shall be augmented by District Chairmen appointed by the District Deputy

Presidents. The Committee shall function not only during the Rebekah Assembly sessions, but also throughout the year, and shall strive for quality of appointments and programs.

(13) Scholarship. This Committee shall consist of five members, including one who served previously, and shall:

(a) mail, in August of each year, a Rebekah Assembly Scholarship application, together with a letter of explanation, to each Rebekah Lodge, Theta Rho Girls’ Club, and Junior Odd Fellow Lodge in this jurisdiction; and,

(b) review the applications, select the number allowed based on funds available in Special Education Fund, and report the names of the recipients of the scholarships awarded each year at the annual session of the Rebekah Assembly, and, in the same number as the scholarships awarded, and the names of the alternates, listing same in the order of selection.

(14) Visitation Schedule. This Committee shall consist of two members who shall annually review the distribution of lodges in the Visitation Schedule, making recommendations for any adjustments necessary to keep a balance of lodges in each schedule, as well as a balance of meeting nights.

E. Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees. (1) Generally.

(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly, of this Code, persons appointed to Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees shall be governed by Chapter III – 28, Section 14 (E) (1) and (2), of this Code.

(2) Joint Jurisdictional Committees are: (a) Arthritis (b) Convention (c) Disaster (d) Good-Fellowship (e) Membership. This Committee shall consist of a Joint Jurisdictional Chairman, the

President, the Vice President, the Warden and six members who shall work together with the Grand Lodge Membership Committee. The Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Chairman shall direct the affairs of the Committee as specified in Chapter II – 23, Section 12 (E) (5), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(f) Visual Research


(g) Youth. The Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee shall consist of one State Chairman, appointed by the President, to serve a four year term and six members to serve a term of three years on a rotating basis. The Vice President of the Theta Rho Assembly, shall serve on this Committee by virtue of her Office with full voice and vote, and the President of the Theta Rho Assembly, by virtue of her Office, shall serve as an Ex-officio member of this Committee without vote.

(i) This Committee shall work with the Grand Lodge Committee in accordance with Chapter III – 33, Section 14 (E) (7), of this Code.

(ii) Each Club shall be assigned a Youth Committee member who shall grant Dispensations, with a copy sent to the President of the Rebekah Assembly for:

(A) changing the time or place of a regular meeting. (B) electing a President or Vice President who is not regularly qualified. (C) electing Assembly Representatives who are not regularly qualified; and (D) public Entertainment.

(I) mileage shall be available to the members of the committee in such amounts and under such circumstances as set forth in Chapter VIII – 20, Section 17 (B) (4), of this Code.

(h) Youth Education and United Nations Tour. (3) Duties. Duties of Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Joint Jurisdictional Committees shall

be those set forth above and in Chapter III – 28, Section 14 (E) (2-9), of this Code, and as may be otherwise directed by the Grand Lodge, Rebekah Assembly, Grand Master or President.

Section. 16. Revenues. A. Assessments

(1) Assessments. Any anticipated deficiency in revenues needed to pay Rebekah Assembly and/or Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home operation expenses for the current year, as projected by the Finance Committee at the annual session, shall be assessed upon each Rebekah Lodge in proportion to the number of members on the Lodge roll as specified on the semi-annual reports of June 30th, and December 31" each year.

Such assessments shall be due and payable by the Lodges, semi-annually, on July 1st, and January 1st, of each year and shall be placed in the hands of the District Deputy President along with the semi-annual report, who shall immediately, verify the accuracy of same and forward the report and the amount assessed to the Secretary.

(2) Equal Assessments. The semi-annual per member assessments shall be approximately equal in amount.

(3) Exemptions. Members exempt from Rebekah Assembly and/or Home operating assessments are as specified in the Constitution of Rebekah Lodges and Chapter V – 17, Sections 2 (B) (5) and (D) (7), of this Code.

Section. 17. Compensation. A. Salaries and Wages.

(1) Secretary. The Secretary shall be entitled to receive such annual salary as may be approved by the Rebekah Assembly at its annual session.

(2) Other Employees. Full time employees of the Rebekah Assembly shall receive such monthly salary or hourly wage and be allowed a budgeted amount for medical insurance upon proof of obtaining a private medical insurance plan for themselves. The monthly salary or hourly wage and amount allowed for medical insurance shall be approved by the Rebekah Assembly at its Annual Session.

B. Travel Allowances.


(1) President: The President shall be granted such travel allowance as may be approved by the Rebekah Assembly at its Annual Session, and shall be payable monthly. No payments of such travel allowances will be made until Vouchers have been submitted for expense incurred equal to or in excess of the allowances claimed.

(2) Other Officers, Committees. Other Officers, Assembly Directors, and Committee of the Rebekah Assembly may be allowed such travel expense as may be approved by the Rebekah Assembly at its Annual Session. No payments of such travel allowances will be made until Vouchers have been submitted for expenses incurred equal to or in excess of the allowance claimed.

(3) Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee. Mileage shall be allowed and charged against the funds of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee as follows:

(a) the State Chairman and Regional Chairmen of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee, and the Vice President, Warden, Secretary and Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly shall be entitled to mileage reimbursed at the current rate established at the annual session of the Rebekah Assembly, one way based on the shortest distance from the member's Lodge to the site of the annual session of Theta Rho Assembly.

(b) the State Chairman and Regional Chairmen of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee, and the Vice President, Warden, Secretary and Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly shall be entitled to reimbursement for mileage traveled, at the current rate established at the annual session of the Rebekah Assembly, one way, based on the shortest distance from the member's Lodge, for attendance at no more than six designated committee meetings during the year; and

(c) no mileage will be paid to any committee member attending a designated meeting in their half of the region.

(4) Finance Committee. Members of the Finance Committee of the Rebekah Assembly shall be entitled to reimbursement for mileage traveled, at the current rate established at each annual session, one way, based on the shortest distance from the member's Lodge, to the site of the Rebekah Assembly headquarters, for attendance at necessary meetings of the committee or when required by law to attend other committee or Board of Directors meetings.

C. Reimbursement. (1) May Receive. Officers and Committees of the Rebekah Assembly may be reimbursed for

actual, necessary expense related to their official duties as may be approved by the Rebekah Assembly and/or the Executive Committee. Such reimbursement shall not exceed the amount budgeted or approved by the Rebekah Assembly at its annual session.

(2) Special. Each Special District Deputy President who has incurred actual, necessary expenses related to their official duties that have not been offset by the lodges in the District may submit an expense report to the Rebekah Assembly President itemizing said expenses as well as any contributions by lodges in the District. If the President agrees with the reasonableness of the expenses, she shall submit them to the Rebekah Assembly Office for payment. The Assembly Secretary shall submit an assessment to the lodges in the District for reimbursement.

Section. 18. Laws and Customs of the Rebekah Assembly and Component Units. A. Constitutional Changes Mandated by Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(1) Legislation shall not be required to implement changes to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Rebekah Assembly of California and its Component Units which are mandated by The Sovereign Grand Lodge and presented by the IARA Representative to Rebekah Assembly and voted on; or after receiving a Directive from The Sovereign Grand Lodge.

A. Bills, Format, Presentation and Enactment.


(1) Bills. All proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly or the Laws relating to the Rebekah Assembly or any Component Unit shall be presented to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly, in Bill form.

(1) Format. (a) All Bills presented to the Rebekah Assembly shall be printed or typewritten in 10 or 12

pitch type, on a Bill form supplied by the Rebekah Assembly, or, in duplicate, on white 8.5 x II inch paper.

(b) Bill shall begin with a brief title setting forth the purpose of the Bill, followed by the enacting clause "Be It Enacted By The Rebekah Assembly of California:" If the Bill is complex, an impartial summary of the Bill may be inserted after the title and before the enacting clause.

(c) Bills shall be prepared as set forth in Chapter III – 38, Section 18 (A) (2) (c), (d), and (e), of this Code.

(3) Presentation. Bills, Resolutions and Petitions may be proposed by any Rebekah Lodge in this Jurisdiction, any voting member of the Rebekah Assembly, the Executive Committee or any Committee of the Rebekah Assembly.

(4) Regular Bills, Resolutions and Petitions. (a) All regular Bills, Resolutions and Petitions presented to the Rebekah Assembly shall be

submitted to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary at least sixty days in advance of the Annual Session so they can be copied and mailed to all Rebekah Lodges in good standing no later than April 1, prior to the Annual Rebekah Assembly Session and printed in the Advance Proceedings of the Rebekah Assembly. Legislation that was presented at Theta Rho Assembly shall be included in the mailing and printing.

(b) Matter Laid on Table. All Bills, Resolutions and Petitions laid on the table, and not acted on before the close of the Session of the Rebekah Assembly at which they were presented for action, shall expire with the Session, and would have to be renewed at a subsequent Session before any action could be taken thereon.

(5) Emergency Bills. Emergency Bills may be submitted in triplicate on paper 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and a copy shall be immediately referred to the proper Committee for consideration. Such Emergency Bills shall contain an urgency clause and may be acted upon at the Session, after having been accepted for consideration by a two-thirds vote of the Assembly, printed and laid over one day.

(6) Amendments. Bills may be amended, but no amendment shall be considered which changes the original intent or purpose of the Bill.

(7) Vote Required. (a) No Bill to amend the Constitution or Laws of the Rebekah Assembly or any Component

Unit, shall be passed by the Rebekah Assembly unless two-thirds of the voting members present and voting shall vote in its favor.

(b) No Emergency Bill shall be passed unless three-fourths of the voting members present and voting vote in its favor.

(8) Bills. Available to Grand Lodge: (a) all Bills submitted to the Rebekah Assembly shall be made available to the Grand Lodge in

accordance with Chapter II – 8 Article XIII, Section 1, of this Code. C. Book of instructions.

(1) May Print. The Rebekah Assembly may print, after approval by the Grand Lodge Committee on Rebekah Legislation, and distribute a handbook of "Instructions for Rebekah Lodges", which shall contain information on Laws and Customs necessary to assist Officers and members of Rebekah Lodges of California in the proper, accepted conduct of Lodge meetings and related activities.


Section. 19. Miscellaneous Rules. A. Generally.

(1) Appropriations of Money. No appropriation for any money shall be made by the Rebekah Assembly for any purpose other than the just and legitimate claims against the Rebekah Assembly, after the close of business on the next to the last day.

(2) Memorial Service. There shall be but one Memorial Service during the Session, to be held in conjunction with the Joint Formal Opening Ceremonies prior to the Official Opening of the Annual Session.

(3) Degree. The Warden shall be permitted to confer the Rebekah Assembly Degree on qualified candidates, one half hour before the scheduled opening each day.

(4) Recordings Prohibited. No member, with the exception of the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly, shall be permitted to operate a personal recording device within the hall of the Rebekah Assembly while the Rebekah Assembly is in Session.

(5) Visitations. There shall be no visitations by other Degrees at the Rebekah Assembly, except that:

(a) the Rebekah Assembly and Grand Lodge may exchange short visits to introduce the current and newly elected Officers, if they so desire; and,

(b) the Officers of the Theta Rho Assembly and Grand Junior Lodge may make a short visit. (6) Privacy Policy. The Rebekah Assembly shall NOT sell or distribute for any purpose outside

the fraternity, any of the member rosters, mailing lists, including personal information held by the Rebekah Assembly or its local lodges, to any person or persons, institutions or agencies for sales promotions, or for other purposes within or without the Rebekah Assembly, without the expressed permission of the member. Further, any distribution must have the expressed permission of the voting members of the Rebekah Assembly present and voting at any regular annual or called special session.

CONSTITUTION OF REBEKAH LODGES IX – 1

CHAPTER IX CONSTITUTION

OF REBEKAH LODGES

of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

Of California PREAMBLE

"For the purpose of effecting uniformity in administration of the privileges, honors and benefits of Rebekah Lodge membership in this jurisdiction, the Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the state of California, acting under the authority granted by the Grand Lodge, does Ordain subject too concurrence thereon by the Grand Lodge, the following Constitution of Rebekah Lodges of California."

ARTICLE I. Structure, Power and Purposes

Sec. 1. This Lodge shall consist of five or more members in good standing with at least one qualified to preside and shall be hailed and entitled __________ Rebekah Lodge No__________ of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California holding a legal Charter granted by the Rebekah Assembly under the authority of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California.

Sec. 2. The Rituals, Constitution, Laws, and Decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Laws and Decisions of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly of California are the laws of this Lodge and all persons, be becoming and continuing as members of this Lodge, consent and agree to acquaint themselves fully with and abide by the same.

Sec. 3. This Lodge shall have the authority to exercise all powers specifically granted it by the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and may have power, subject to the authority of the Rebekah Assembly of California, to establish such privileges and engage in such projects and activities as are consistent with, and do not in any way contravene, the laws and principles of the Order.

Sec. 4. Objects and Purposes. A. The Objects and Purposes of Rebekah lodges are:

(1) to follow the precepts of Odd Fellowship. (2) to establish, maintain, and support the Homes of the Order. (3) to encourage social and fraternal relations among all Components of the Order.

ARTICLE II. Terms and Meetings

Sec. 1. The regular term of this Lodge shall be for one year, excepting however, the term of this Lodge may be six months if the By-Laws so provide and if the By-Laws also require weekly meetings. All terms shall commence on the first meeting in January and/or July as provided by the By-Laws. All terms shall end on the day the succeeding one commences.

Sec. 2. A quorum is required for the transaction of any business and is constituted as set forth in Chapter VIII – 14, Part B, Section 8 (C), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 3. This Lodge shall hold scheduled meetings in accordance with its Bylaws as prescribed by the laws of the Order, unless temporarily prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond the control of its members. No Rebekah Lodge shall dispense of any scheduled meeting except those which fall on a legal holiday.

IX – 2 CONSTITUTION OF REBEKAH LODGES

(a) This Lodge is authorized to hold one, but no more than one, Social Meeting each month in accordance with the provisions stated herein. No Social Meeting shall be held on the evening of an Official Visitation by the Assembly President, Vice President or Warden, or of the District Deputy President unless that Officer has specifically approved the same. During a Social Meeting all Ritualistic Work is suspended and the meeting may be opened to the Public. Social Meetings may consist of or include Dinners; Forums; Invited Guests; Invited Speakers; Entertainment; Educational Presentations and/or Recreational Activities.

Sec. 4. This Lodge may, upon notification of the members residing within the Jurisdiction of California, hold special meetings during which no business shall be transacted or funds expended other than that for which the meeting was called. Applications for membership shall not be received or elections held at a special meeting.

ARTICLE III. Membership Qualifications

Sec. 1. Every candidate for admission in this Lodge must be of good moral character and industrious habits, who believes in the Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe; and every candidate must reside in this jurisdiction

Sec. 2. Every applicant for membership by Initiation shall be at least sixteen years of age. Sec. 3. All Odd Fellows of the Degree of Truth, in good standing as set forth in Chapter III – 1,

Section 1 (B) (2), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, are eligible to petition for membership.

Sec. 4. Every applicant for membership by deposit of card or certificate shall be sixteen years of age or older and free of encumbrance or indebtedness to another Rebekah or Odd Fellow Lodge.

Sec. 5. A Sister meeting the requirements of Section 1 and 4 of this Article, may transfer her membership into this Lodge in the manner set forth in Chapter XXVII – 3, Section 1 (C), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 6. A Brother meeting the requirements of Section 1. 3. and 4. of this Article, may transfer his membership into this Lodge in the manner set forth in Chapter XXVII – 3, Section 1 (C), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE IV. Membership Applications and Election

Sec. 1. Applications for membership shall be in the form required by Chapter III – 2, Section 2 (A), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 2. Applications shall be submitted and acted upon in the manner specified Chapter III – 2, Section 2 (A) and (B), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE V. Fees and Dues

Sec. 1. Every application for membership into this Lodge shall be accompanied, in full, by all required fees.

Sec. 2. The fee for admission to this Lodge by initiation, shall be established in the By-laws, and shall be not less than five dollars per applicant.

Sec. 3. The fee for admission as an Associate Member shall be one dollar. Sec. 4. The fee for admission of an Active Member of a Theta Rho Girls' Club in good standing, with

three or more years continuous membership in said Club shall be the minimum prescribed for Admission by Initiation.

Sec. 5. The fee for admission of an expelled member shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws of this Lodge for an initiate.

Sec. 6. The fee for admission by deposit of an unexpired withdrawal card shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws of this Lodge, and shall be not less than two dollars and fifty cents.

REBEKAH LODGES IX – 3

Sec. 7. The fee for admission by deposit of an expired withdrawal card shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws of this Lodge for an initiate.

Sec. 8. The fee for admission by deposit of a Resignation or Dismissal Certificate, shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws of this Lodge for an initiate.

Sec. 9. The fee for admission by reinstatement after a suspension for nonpayment of dues, within one year, shall be equal to one year's dues.

Sec. 10. The fee for admission by reinstatement after a suspension for nonpayment of dues, exceeding one year, shall be the amount prescribed in the By-Laws of this lodge, and shall not be less than that for an initiate.

Sec. 11. There shall be no fee for admission by transfer. Sec. 12. The dues of each contributing and Associate Member, shall not be less than the amount

found in Chapter XXIV – 1, Section 1 (A) (3), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and shall be sufficient to pay dues assessed by Sovereign Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 13. This Lodge shall provide for Non-Contributing Membership as set forth in Chapter III – 7, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE VI. Rebekah Degree

Sec. 1. Each candidate elected to membership by initiation into this Lodge shall be initiated without undue delay. Another Lodge may confer the degree upon written request of the Lodge.

Sec. 2. The Sovereign Grand Lodge hereby authorizes Grand Bodies and their local units to use the Historical Rules to confer Degrees on qualified members, provided that only the current Unwritten Work is to be used in conjunction with these Rituals.

ARTICLE VII. Officers and Trustees

Sec. 1. The Elective and Appointive Officers of this Lodge shall be those named in the Ritual, or in any Installation approved by The Sovereign Grand Lodge. Additional Appointive Officers are a Color Bearer, no more than two Altar Bearers, and no more than four Banner Bearers. A Financial Secretary shall be elected only when the By-Laws of the Lodge so provide.

Sec. 2. This Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for the Election of Lodge Trustees in such number and to serve such terms as allowed by Chapter VIII – 6, Part B, Section 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter VIII – 8, Section 8, of this Code.

Sec. 3. Qualifications for Office and examinations required for all Officers prior to Installation shall be as set forth in the Ritual and in Chapter VIII – 5, Part B, Section 1, (G), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 4. The Noble Grand-elect and Vice Grand-elect must, in addition to the requirements set forth in Chapter VIII – 5, Part B, Section 1 (G), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, commit to memory and recite to the District Deputy President prior to Installation, the Unwritten Work of the Degree, the Balloting Charge and the Ceremony of Admission by Deposit of Card.

ARTICLE VIII. Elections and Appointments

Sec. 1. Officers and Trustees shall be elected, in the manner provided by law, at the first meeting in November, for a term commencing in January and/or the first meeting in May, for a term commencing in July, as provided by the By-Laws.

Sec. 2. Vacancies in Office shall be filled in the manner prescribed in Chapter X – 5, Section 1 (M), of this Code.

Sec. 3. This Lodge at the last regular meeting in February of each year, shall elect six Representatives to the Rebekah Assembly for its members of thirty or under, also one Representative for every

IX – 4 CONSTITUTION OF REBEKAH LODGES

fifteen members over and above said first number of thirty or fraction exceeding ten members in good standing, as shown by its Annual Report on the 31st day of December, of the previous year. Provided however, the total number Representatives of the Rebekah Assembly from this Lodge shall not exceed ten, exclusive of the District Deputy President during their year of appointment. (a) This Lodge may at the same time also elect an Alternate Representative to attend Rebekah

Assembly and serve as a Representative if a regularly elected Representative is unable to serve.

(b) This Lodge shall also elect from its Representatives to the Rebekah Assembly, one Mileage Representative, whose name shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly and who shall be entitled to receive such mileage reimbursement for attendance at the Annual Session of the Rebekah Assembly as may be voted by said Assembly.

Sec. 4. On the first regular meeting in October of each year, this Lodge, may at its option, select one of its Past Noble Grands in good standing, or its Noble Grand who at the time of appointment will be a Past Noble Grand in good standing, whose name shall be presented to the Lodges of this District for endorsement, as District Deputy President; after which, the name shall be forwarded to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary, not later than the first day of December.

ARTICLE IX. Duties of Officers and Trustees

Sec. 1. The duties of the various Officers and Trustees (if the By-Laws so provide) shall be as prescribed in the Ritual, Chapter VIII – 8 , Part B, Section 4, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, this Constitution, and the By-Laws of this Lodge.

ARTICLE X. Returns

Sec. 1. The Officers of this Lodge shall make from time to time and in the form required such returns demanded by the Sovereign Grand Lodge as prescribed in Chapter VIII – 14, Part B, Section 9, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and the Rebekah Assembly of California.

ARTICLE XI. Funds and Property

Sec. 1. The funds of this Lodge shall be held in trust and shall be administered as set forth in Chapter XXII – 2, Section 2, of this Code.

Sec. 2. The real and personal property of this Lodge shall be held in trust for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and shall be administered as set forth in Chapter V – 7, Section l (H), of this Code.

Sec. 3. This Lodge may incorporate for the purpose of better enabling it to carry out its purposes and functions, as set forth in Chapter V – 7, Section l (G), of this Code, and as conforms with the Corporation Laws of the State of California, and when so incorporated may hold and own property in the name of the Corporation and carry on its corporate affairs subject to the maintenance of a legal Charter and adherence to the Laws of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California.

ARTICLE XII. Offenses and Trials

Sec. 1. Neglect or refusal to pay dues, or legally imposed assessments or fines, is an offense against this Lodge and Order.

Sec. 2. Chargeable offenses against this Lodge, Order and members shall be those set forth in Chapter XXXVIII - 1, Section. 1 and 2, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

REBEKAH LODGES IX – 5

Sec. 3. Charges against any member of this Lodge shall be preferred and presented to the accused, under seal of the Lodge, in the manner prescribed by law.

Sec. 4. When sufficient charges have been preferred, a Trial Committee shall be appointed, a trial hearing shall be conducted, and judgment shall be passed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XXXVIII – 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE XIII. Penalties and Appeals

Sec. 1. The penalty for nonpayment of dues or demands of this Lodge shall be suspension as prescribed in Chapter III – 4, Section 4, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and shall be effected as provided therein.

Sec. 2. Any member, found after due trial, to be guilty of a chargeable offense against the laws of the Order, or the laws of the Land, shall be fined and, or reprimanded, or suspended for cause, or expelled as the laws of the Order, of the Constitution or By-Laws of this Lodge directs, or in the absence of such directive, as the Lodge shall determine.

Sec. 3. An appeal may be taken from an action, refusal or neglect of the Lodge within two weeks of such incident, unless a longer period is established by Law, by any member or surviving beneficiary of said member deeming to be aggrieved thereby. All appeals shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law to the Grand Lodge, unless otherwise provided.

ARTICLE XIV. Interpretation and Amendment

Sec. 1. When any doubt arises as to the true meaning of these Articles, it shall be determined by the Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 2. These Articles, or any part thereof, shall not be altered, amended, or annulled, except as provided in Chapter VIII – 22, Section 18 (B), of this Code.

ARTICLE XV. By-Laws

Sec. 1. This Lodge shall adopt By-Laws as required by the laws of the Order. Sec. 2. By-Laws shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in the manner set forth in Chapter X – 1,

Section 1 (D), of this Code.

REBEKAH LODGES X - 1

CHAPTER X REBEKAH LODGES

Section. 1. Structure and Powers. A. Charter.

(1) Petitions For. A Petition praying for a Charter for a Rebekah Lodge shall be set forth in Chapter VIII – 1, Part A, Article II (B), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(2) To be Signed. All Charters of Rebekah Lodges shall be signed by the President and Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly. All applications for dispensation or charters for the institution of Rebekah Lodges shall be presented to the President of the Rebekah Assembly.

B. Terms. (1) Begin When. Terms shall begin on the first meeting in January and/or July to be specified in

the By-laws of the Lodge. C. Returns.

(1) Annual Report Deadline and Penalties. If the Annual Report is not received by the Rebekah Assembly by April 1 of each year, a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will become effective with an additional 1.5% interest per month until paid.

(2) Withhold Passwords Until Returns Submitted. The President of the Rebekah Assembly and District Deputy President shall withhold the Passwords until the required returns are submitted with the proper amount due the Rebekah Assembly.

(3) The Lodge shall NOT sell or distribute for any purpose outside the fraternity, any of the members rosters, mailing lists, including personal information held by, the Lodge to any person or persons, institutions or agencies for sales promotions, or for other purposes within or without the Rebekah Lodge, without the expressed permission of the member. Further any distribution must have the expressed permission of the voting members of the Lodge present and voting at any regular or called special meeting.

D. Powers. (1) May Adopt, Alter or Revise By-Laws, Procedure for. A Lodge shall adopt and may amend

or revise its By-Laws by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of its members present and entitled to vote at a regular meeting. The By-Laws adoption or revision shall become effective only after notification of approval by the Committee on By-Laws of Rebekah Lodges of the Rebekah Assembly or on such date subsequent to approval as the Resolution so states and only after the following requirements have been met:

(a) a written Resolution proposing the adoption, amendment or revision shall have been submitted and read at two consecutive regular meetings and voted upon at a third.

(b) all members of the Lodge shall be notified by written notice stating the nature of the Resolution and the date of the proposed vote. Such notice shall be sent immediately after the first reading and in a manner provided by the Bylaws of the Lodge

(c) upon adoption of the Resolution two copies of such Resolution, signed by the Secretary of the Lodge and members of the Lodge's By-laws Committee, noting the dates of the first and second reading, the date of the vote, the total number of members present and voting for adoption, shall be sent to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary, under the Seal of the Lodge, along with a copy of the By-laws currently in force, if any, for submission to the Committee on Bylaws of Rebekah Lodges.

(d) by-laws received in the Rebekah Assembly Office after May 1st, shall be held and submitted to the Committee on By-laws of Rebekah Lodges for the following year.

(2) May Print By-laws. A Lodge may print or have printed their By-laws when approved by the Committee on By-laws of Rebekah Lodges.

X - 2 REBEKAH LODGES

(3) By-laws Review. By-laws of Rebekah Lodges shall be reviewed every four years. Lodges scheduled for review shall send a copy of their current Bylaws and/or amendments to the Rebekah Assembly Office for recording, prior to being forwarded to the Committee on By-laws of Rebekah Lodges.

E. Voting. (1) Votes on Motions. Votes on motions and resolutions, unless otherwise provided by law, or

motion, shall be by voice vote. (2) Reporting and Recording Of Votes. Only the result of the vote need be recorded, unless

one-fifth or more, but in no case less than three members voting demand a recording of the number of said votes cast.

F. Property. (1) Consent of Rebekah Assembly. A Rebekah Lodge shall obtain the consent of the Rebekah

Assembly, or the Executive Committee during the adjournment of the Rebekah Assembly, prior to;

(a) the sale, disposition, or lease in excess of one year of any real property of the Lodge. (b) the purchase of acquisition of real property, except that which comes to a lodge by gift,

descent or bequest. (c) the construction of any building to be used for lodge purposes. Each lodge shall submit

plans for such proposed building, the estimates costs thereof and a statement of the financial condition of the lodge.

(2) May sell property to pay bills. A lodge shall pay all debts prior to surrendering its charter and to that end shall, if necessary in order to raise funds, sell part or all of its property after having first obtained permission from the Rebekah Assembly, or the Executive Committee during adjournment of the Rebekah Assembly.

(3) Estimates and appraisals. A Lodge wishing to buy or sell real property shall obtain a written estimate of the value of the property from at last two knowledgeable, licensed Real estate Brokers or Agents. Additionally, the Rebekah Assembly, or the Executive Committee during adjournment of the Rebekah Assembly, shall have the right to demand an independent appraisal by a qualified appraiser prior to the sale of lodge property or prior to taking over a mortgage of jeopardized property. The cost of the appraisal shall be borne by the lodge seeking the purchase, sale or mortgage assistance.

(4) Disposition of Funds. The funds from the sale of the real property shall be held in a separate account, for the building or acquisition of a lodge hall (temple). Interest only from this account can be used for lodge operations. If a lodge consolidates with another lodge, these restrictions will continue.

The only way to remove these restrictions is to present a resolution, enacted by the lodge, either to the Rebekah Assembly, or the Executive Committee during adjournment. The enacted resolution must include the signatures of the Secretary and Noble Grand, the seal of the lodge, and a list of members present.

(5) In the event the lodge ceases to exist, except for consolidation, all property and assets revert to the Rebekah Assembly.

(6) This section shall only apply if there is no reversionary clause in the title. G. Consolidations.

(1) Shall Petition the Rebekah Assembly. Two or more Lodges desiring to consolidate and form one Lodge, shall each for itself, petition the Rebekah Assembly or Rebekah Assembly President.

(2) The request for such consolidation shall be submitted to each lodge interested, in writing, signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the membership of each lodge, giving the name and number of the lodge under which the proposed consolidated lodge shall work,

REBEKAH LODGES X – 3

which may be the name and number of either lodge, or the chatter name of one and the number of another, or an entirely new name and such number as the President of the Rebekah Assembly may ward them, together with any other agreements desired between such lodges.

(a) After a Letter of Intent to Consolidate is sent to the Rebekah Assembly, a Lodge shall only reduce its funds for the lawful payment of all outstanding debts, per capita dues/assessments and dues paid in advance.

(b) No Lodge shall dispose of any excess funds without the consent of the other Lodge(s) involved in the consolidation and the Rebekah Assembly Executive Committee.

(c) No Lodge, if incorporated, shall be allowed to consolidate until the proof that the paper work to dissolve the corporation has been received by the Secretary of State.

(d) If five (5) members vote to keep the lodge no consolidation will be allowed. (3) A written or printed copy of the proposed provisions for such consolidation shall be mailed

within three (3) days to the last known address, as shown on the books of the lodge, to all member of each lodge by the Secretary thereof, stating that a vote will be taken on such provisions on the date specified within four (4) weeks.

(4) At such time as may then and there be fixed, a vote by secret ballot shall be taken, the results duly recorded, and a certified transcript of the entire action shall be sent, under seal immediately to the President.

(5) The President, or the Rebekah Assembly, may grant and issue the necessary dispensation provided that a majority of the members present and voting in each lodge approve such consolidation.

(6) The consolidation, if authorized, shall be effected by the President, her representative or duly authorized Deputy, whose duty it shall be to receive from each lodge its charter, rituals, books, assets and liabilities. The secretary of each affected lodge shall provide a list of members including dropped, suspended, expelled or deceased since the last report.

(7) On receiving such property and list of membership, the President or her representative or Deputy shall proclaim the lodges duly consolidated, and proceed forthwith to the election and installation of duly qualified members to the various offices.

(8) All lodge assets and liabilities shall be transferred to the new consolidated lodge. H. Surrender.

(1) A Lodge may vote to surrender its Charter and effects after a written Resolution for same shall have been submitted at a regular meeting and acted upon in the manner prescribed for amending lodge By-Laws as set forth in this Chapter X – 1, Section 1 (D) (a), of this Code:

(a) no vote to surrender shall carry if five or more members object. (b) request for assistance has been submitted to the Rebekah Assembly or Rebekah Assembly

President. (c) when a Lodge is considering surrender it may not reduce its funds, without prior approval

of the Rebekah Assembly. (d) an Audit has been performed by the Rebekah Assembly Auditing Committee of all Lodge

property, financial records and real property, if any, within ninety days of the original request.

(e) if a corporation or corporations exist, application shall be made with the State of California for the dissolution within ninety days.

(2) Such Lodge shall make to the Rebekah Assembly a semi-Annual Report, to include full membership and financial statement covering the period from the previous report date to the date of surrender. This Semi-Annual Report shall become due at the time of the Charter


surrender and shall be accompanied by payment of per capita dues and any assessments, in full.

(3) The Funds of extinct Rebekah Lodges are to be turned over to the Rebekah Assembly, and twenty-five percent of those funds be placed in a membership promotional fund; the remaining seventy-five percent to go to the General Operating Fund of the Rebekah Assembly.

I. Officers. (1) Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Financial Secretary and Treasurer. The duties of the Noble

Grand, Vice Grand, Financial Secretary and Treasurer shall be those set forth in the Ritual and Chapter VIII – 8, Part B, Section 4, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

(2) Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary, in conjunction with those set forth in the Ritual and Chapter VIII – 8, Part B, Section 4 (C), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws to:

(a) notify the Odd Fellows Lodge nearest the residence of a newly elected member of such fact, giving the name, address, occupation, and marital status of the member.

(b) notify the Rebekah lodge nearest the residence of a member who has changed residence. (c) notify the Rebekah Assembly Secretary and the Lodges in the district of the rejection of

applicants for admission by initiation, card or by Dismissal Certificate. (3) Bonds of Office. The Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer shall be bonded through

an arrangement with the Rebekah Assembly. (4) Signatures Required. Two signatures shall be required for the withdrawal of Lodge funds

from any checking or savings account; each account shall require four signatures on file. (5) Banner Bearers and Altar Bearers. It shall be the duty of the Banner Bearers and Altar

Bearers to assist in the opening and closing ceremonies of the lodge, and during the conferral of the Rebekah Degree, in accordance with instructions in the Book of Instructions for California Rebekah Lodges.

J. Trustees. (1) Who May Serve. Any member in good standing may serve as Trustee; however, a lodge

may, in its by-laws prohibit the Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer from serving as a Trustee. A Trustee shall not serve on the Finance Committee.

(2) Bonds of Trustees. The Trustees shall be bonded through an arrangement with the Rebekah Assembly.

(3) Rebekah Lodge Trustees shall be Trustees of the Lodge Hall Association (if there be one). When a Lodge has representation on a Hall Association comprised of more than one lodge, representative(s) to the Hall Association shall be elected from the Lodge Trustees, by the Lodge. All matters, financial and otherwise shall be reported to the Lodge, monthly, and carried on the Lodge books.

K. Installations. (1) Returns Must be Submitted. All required returns and assessments shall be submitted to the

District Deputy President of the District prior to Installation. (2) Examination of Officers Required. Each officer, as required by the laws of the Order, shall

be examined prior to installation, regardless which Installation Ceremony is used. (3) Exchange Installations. The Lodge in which a District Deputy President holds membership

may be installed by a District Deputy President of another District. The Lodge requesting the exchange shall, prior to installation, secure the consent of the two District Deputy Presidents involved and a dispensation from the Rebekah Assembly President.

L. Public Installations.

REBEKAH LODGES X – 5

(1) Authorized Lodges may install officers in public installations as provided by the Ritual. A Dispensation, granted by the District Deputy President of the District, unless otherwise required, shall be secured prior to public installation.

(2) Joint Installation. Two or more Lodges may participate in a Joint Public Installation upon securing a dispensation from the Grand Master. If more than two Lodges desire to install in a joint ceremony, specific authorization shall be secured from the Grand Master, prior to installation, by each Lodge desiring to participate.

M. Vacancy. (1) How Declared. If an Officer is absent on four consecutive regular meetings, except in the

case of personal illness, the Office may be declared vacant by the Noble Grand, upon two-thirds vote after a Resolution has been offered at a regular meeting.

N. District Meetings. (1) Officers Required To Attend. It shall be the duty of all officers, elective and appointive, to

attend the District Meeting in their district conducted by the President of the Rebekah Assembly or duly authorized Representative.

O. Committees. (1) Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of three members, who are not

Elective Officers or Trustees, and are in no way indebted to the Lodge nor have charge of any Lodge funds. The duties of the Finance Committee shall be as set forth in Chapter V – 15, Section 1 (T) (4) (a) through (e), of this Code.

(2) Youth Service Committee. The Youth Service Committee shall consist of three members appointed by the Noble Grand of a sponsoring Lodge of a Theta Rho Girls' Club as set forth in Chapter VIII – 7, Part B, Section 3 (E), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

P. Other Provisions. (1) Insofar as they apply, Rebekah lodges shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter V –

1, of this Code. Section. 2. Membership

A. Associate Membership. (1) Authorized. A member of the Order, meeting the requirements for membership as specified

in the Constitution of Rebekah Lodges, may apply for Associate Membership in any Rebekah Lodge in this Jurisdiction including the same District as the member's home Lodge.

(2) Application For. Applicants for associate membership shall submit a written application in the same manner as any other applicant for membership, excepting associate membership in a recognized "Historical Rebekah Lodge".

(3) Freja Historical Rebekah Lodge No. 284. Any Rebekah in good standing in this Order may hold "Historical Associate Membership" in Freja Historical Rebekah Lodge No. 284, upon payment of the prescribed fee.

(4) One Lodge Only. A member may hold associate membership in no more than one Rebekah lodge in California, excepting there from, membership in any "Historical Rebekah Lodge".

(5) An Associate member has the same right of any member, except that an associate member may not hold an office of financial responsibility in more than one Rebekah Lodge.

B. Election. (1) Rejection, Effect Of. A candidate for membership by initiation or Deposit of Card or

Certificate, who has been rejected, cannot be proposed again in any Lodge of this jurisdiction for six months after such rejection.

C. Expulsion, Suspension For Cause, Readmission.


(1) Notice To Other Components. Notice of all suspensions, expulsions and reinstatements shall be sent to the Secretary of every Rebekah Lodge in the District, to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary, and to the Secretary or Scribe of every Component Body in which the member holds membership.

D. Non-Contributing Membership (1) How Acquired. A member who has been a contributing member of a Rebekah Lodge for

forty (40) or more consecutive years, or has a minimum age of seventy-five (75) with at least ten years of consecutive service and is unable to pay dues may make application in writing to be transferred to non-contributing status. The written application shall be received at any regular meeting and be acted upon in the same manner as any application for membership. When the report of the Investigating Committee has been submitted, a ball ballot shall be taken and if a majority of the ballots cast are favorable, the member shall be declared transferred to non-contributing membership status and documented in the Lodge minutes.

(2) Rights of Non-contributing Member. A non-contributing member shall be relieved from the payment of all dues and assessments of every kind and character and shall be entitled to all honors, rights, privileges and benefits accruing to any member in good standing in a lodge. A con-contributing member shall be subject to penalty for chargeable offenses against the Order.

(3) Dues Waived. A Lodge shall not be required to pay per capita dues on non-contributing members.

CHARTER OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE XI – 1

CHAPTER XI CHARTER OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE


OF THE JURISDICTION

OF CALIFORNIA

FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH. To All Whom It May Concern:

Know ye that the Grand Lodge of California. aforesaid, and the jurisdiction of the Order thereunto belonging, by virtue of the authority vested in it, doth hereby authorize and empower the following Junior Lodges, viz: Redding No. 22; Yosemite No. 34, Bellflower No. 41, San Gabriel Valley No. 81, Kings Men No. 96, and such further duly and legally authorized Junior Lodges of this jurisdiction as may subscribe to the requirements, to constitute a Grand Junior Lodge in the Jurisdiction of California to be known and hailed by the title of Grand Junior Lodge of California.

The said Grand Junior Lodge is authorized and empowered to direct, supervise, and control all matters pertaining to the Junior Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows within the jurisdiction of said Grand Junior Lodge, under the supervision of the Youth Committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly, according to the Rules and Regulations of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as they pertain to Junior Lodges.

Provided always, that the said Grand Junior Lodge shall render strict obedience to the mandates and laws of this Grand Lodge, and to the ordinances of The Sovereign Grand Lodge: otherwise this charter shall be of no force or effect

This charter shall become valid from and after endorsement of same by the Grand Master and notification of said institution being given to the Sovereign Grand Secretary.

Given under the seal of the said Grand Lodge, and the signatures of its Officers, at Saratoga, Calif., this 19th day of May, 1977. Attest:

S/ Marshal D. Hansen Grand Master

Attest: S/ Gerald H. Clark Grand Secretary

CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE XII – 1

CHAPTER XII CONSTITUTION OF GRAND JUNIOR LODGE

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Jurisdiction of California

PREAMBLE Sec. 1. The authority for an Annual Convention of Junior Lodges was granted by the Grand Lodge of

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, in annual session at San Jose, in 1942, the for propagation of the established principles of the Order, with power to suggest to the Grand Lodge Youth Committee, and through them to the Grand Lodge, such rules for their government as in the opinion of said Grand Junior Lodge, may be for the advancement of the Order.

ARTICLE I. Name and Jurisdiction

Sec. 1. This Grand Junior Lodge shall be known as the Grand Junior Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, and shall be composed of all Junior Lodges in California who are in good standing.

ARTICLE II. Objects and Purposes

Sec. 1. The objects and purposes of this Grand Junior Lodge shall be: To increase interest and proficiency in the work of the Junior Lodges; to promote friendship and understanding among the various Junior Lodges; to encourage the Institution of new Junior Lodges and to strengthen those already in existence.

ARTICLE III. Power and Authority

Sec. 1. This Grand Junior Lodge may act upon any proposed amendment or alterations as may be deemed necessary to effect an improvement in this Constitution or the Constitution of Junior Lodges or the Standing Rules relative to government of the Grand Junior Lodge or Junior Lodges in this jurisdiction. All actions approved by this Grand Junior Lodge must be submitted through the Grand Lodge Youth Committee to the Grand Lodge for final approval.

ARTICLE IV. Sessions

Sec. 1. This Grand Junior Lodge shall hold regular sessions on the Saturday and Sunday prior to Presidents Day each February of each year. At a site within the jurisdiction of California

Sec. 2. The site for the regular annual session shall be selected two years in advance in accordance with the following:

(1) this Grand Junior Lodge, with the approval of the California Joint Youth Committee shall hold regular annual sessions in the same city and on the same dates as the Theta Rho Assembly. When cost aspects are considered, the Grand Junior Lodge sessions may be held in separate facilities.

(2) this Grand Junior Lodge shall designate the site for its regular annual session: except, when the session is in conjunction with the Theta Rho Assembly, the Grand Junior Lodge shall designate the site for sessions in even numbered years.

(3) a Committee from local Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges from the host city or area shall be responsible for arranging and organizing the annual sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge and Theta Rho Assembly. This committee shall work with the Grand Ruler, Theta Rho Assembly President through the California Joint Youth Committee as to deciding the order of events. When no local or area Lodges undertake this responsibility, any group of three Odd Fellows and Rebekahs may assume this responsibility.

XII – 2 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE

(4) all invitations for future convention sites shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, at least sixty days prior to the opening of the session at which they are to be considered. Suitability of proposed convention sites shall be determined by the Grand Lodge Directors.

Sec. 3. Five representatives, representing three (3) Junior Lodges, with one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In addition to a quorum of Representatives, a member of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee, shall be present during the transaction of any Grand Junior Lodge business.

(1) The presiding officer must be a Past Chief Ruler, in good standing in a Junior Lodge in good standing.

Sec. 4. Order of Business for regular annual sessions shall be as prescribed in Chapter XIII – 1, Section 1 (E), of this Code.

Sec. 5. Parliamentary procedures and rules of decorum for sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be prescribed in Chapter XIII – 1, Section 1 (D), of this Code.

Sec. 6. Passwords and signs of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be those of the Grand Junior Lodge Degree.

Sec. 7. The standing Committee of the Grand Junior Lodge shall act upon all urgent matters between sessions.

ARTICLE V. Membership

Sec. 1. The membership of the Grand Junior Lode shall consist of duly elected Representatives, District Deputy Grand Rulers, Elected and Appointed Officers of the Grand Junior Lodge, and Past Grand Rulers who have not attained their 22nd birthday; all of whom must be members in good standing of a Junior Lodge in good standing.

Sec. 2. Only members specified in Section 1, shall be permitted to vote on questions before the Grand Junior Lodge.

Sec. 3. Visitors. Any person who can prove himself as being a member in good standing of a Junior Lodge or Odd Fellow Lodge may be admitted to and attend the sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge as a visitor.

Sec. 4. Honorary Members, defined in Chapter XIII – 1, Section 1 (C), of this Code, may be invited to speak but may not vote in Grand Junior Lodge sessions.

Sec. 5. Each Junior Lodge shall elect representatives to the Grand Junior Lodge. Representatives shall meet the qualifications and be elected in the manner and number prescribed in Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (B), of this Code.

ARTICLE VI. Officers

Sec. 1. The Elective Officers of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be Grand Ruler, Deputy Grand Ruler, Grand Recorder, and Grand Treasurer. An Ex-officio appointed Director to the California Odd Fellows Youth Camp. The Grand Ruler at the completion of his term, shall be elevated to the rank of Past Grand Ruler and for one year shall be known as "The Past Grand Ruler" of the Grand Junior Lodge of California. During his year, he shall perform the duties of the Past Grand ruler.

Sec. 2. The Appointive Officers shall be Grand Warden, Director of Youth Camp, Grand Conductor, Grand Chaplain, Grand Inner Sentinel, Grand Outer Sentinel, Grand Color Bearer, and Grand Musician. If the membership warrants such, the following may be appointed Right and Left Supporters to the Grand Ruler; Right and Left Supports to the Deputy Grand Ruler; First, Second, Third, and Fourth Heralds. Only the membership as defined in Article V, Section 1, are eligible for an Appointive Office.

Sec. 3. The Grand Ruler may appoint District Deputy Grand Rulers.

CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE XII – 3

Sec. 4. Qualifications for Elective and Appointive Officers of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be as prescribed in Chapter XIII – 2, Section 1 (F), of this Code.

Sec. 5. Powers and duties of Elective and Appointive Officers of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be as prescribed in Chapter XIII – 3, Section 1 (I) and (J), of this Code.

ARTICLE VII. Nominations, Elections, Appointments and Installations

Sec. 1. First nomination for Elective Officers shall be held during the first session and second nomination shall be held during the second session.

Sec. 2. The Election of officers shall be held immediately after the closing nominations during the second session of the Grand Junior Lodge. Officers shall be elected by paper ballot by the members defined in Article V, Section 1 of this Constitution.

Sec. 3. The Appointive officers shall be appointed by the Grand Ruler Elect from the members of various Junior Lodges throughout this jurisdiction.

Sec. 4. Installation of newly Elected and Appointed Officers of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be in the evening of the last day of the regular annual session and may be held jointly with the Officer of the Theta Rho Assembly.

(1) The retiring Grand Ruler shall install the Elective and Appointive Officers or cause them to be installed by a Past Grand Ruler. Section 5. If any Elective Officer fails to be present for installation, unless prevented by illness or other unavoidable occurrence, his office shall be declared vacant and the members shall proceed at once to nominate and elect to fill the vacancy. All Appointive vacancies shall be filled by the Grand Ruler at the regular Grand Junior Lodge Session.

ARTICLE II. Committees.

Sec. 1. Standing Committee. The elective Grand Junior Lodge Officers shall constitute the Standing Committee to act in the recess of the annual session of the Grand Junior Lodge, and perform such duties as may be assigned to them. The Grand Ruler shall be Chairman of said committee, and may call meetings thereof at his discretion.

Sec. 2. Regular Committees of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be appointed in such numbers and to perform such duties as prescribed in Chapter XIII – 5, Section 1 (K), of this Code.

Sec. 3. The Grand Ruler may appoint Special Committees in such numbers and for such purposes as the Grand Junior Lodge may deem appropriate.

ARTICLE III. Revenues and Per-Capita Tax

Sec. 1. A per-capita tax on the Junior Lodges in this jurisdiction may be levied at a uniform rate per member determined by the Grand Junior Lodge and approved by the Grand Lodge. The per-capita tax revenues shall be used to defray legitimate and necessary expenses of the Grand Junior Lodge.

Sec. 2. No per-capita tax shall be levied on members of the Armed Forces of the United States. Sec. 3. No per capita tax shall be levied on Senior Brothers who are members of a Junior Lodge in

this Jurisdiction. ARTICLE IV.

Disciplinary Actions Sec. 1. Any Grand Junior Lodge Officer may be removed from office by the Grand Junior Lodge for

misconduct or neglect of duty, but he shall be entitled to a fair trial and two-thirds of the votes of the members present shall be necessary for removal.

Sec. 2. No Officer shall officiate in the Grand Junior Lodge during the time of his trial. Whenever the Grand Ruler or person acting as such shall be on trial. or whenever a resolution for the removal

XII – 4 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE

of the Grand Ruler or person acting as such, shall be submitted, the Grand Junior Lodge may direct any Past Grand Ruler (in case the Deputy Grand Ruler is incapacitated) to occupy the chair.

Sec. 3. Any member may be expelled from the Grand Junior Lodge, for misconduct. after a fair trial be had. upon two-thirds vote of the members present. at any meeting. after a copy of the resolution of expulsion shall have been served on him.

Sec. 4. A vacancy in any Grand Junior Lodge Office, except the office of Grand Ruler, shall be filled by the Grand Junior Lodge, if in session; if not, by the Standing Committee, for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE V. Approval, Interpretation, and Amendment

Sec. 1. This Constitution of the Grand Junior Lodge shall be in force from the time the Grand Junior shall have received notice of its approval by the Grand Lodge of California, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Sec. 2. When any doubt arises as to the meaning of these Articles, the Grand Lodge of California shall determine the true meaning.

Sec. 3. Any amendment or alteration of this constitution requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present.

Sec. 4. Alterations to Standing Rules require an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present.

THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE XIII – 1

CHAPTER XIII THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE

Section. 1. Organization A. Authority.

(1) Approval Required. The adoption of a Grand Junior Lodge Constitution, or any changes thereto shall be subject to final approval by the Grand Lodge of California before becoming effective.

(2) Standing Rules, Approval. Standing Rules and other matters brought before the Grand Junior Lodge shall be subject to final approval by the Grand Lodge of California before becoming effective.

(3) Absence of Specific Code. Laws applicable to the Grand Lodge shall govern the Grand Junior Lodge in the absence of any specific reference contained in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, the Constitution of the Grand Junior Lodge, or this Chapter.

B. Election of Representatives. (1) Elected, When. Each Junior Lodge shall annually elect five (5) Representatives to the Grand

Junior Lodge, at the first (1st) meeting in the third (3) month prior to the scheduled session.

(2) Qualifications: A Representative should be a Past Chief Ruler, Chief Ruler or Deputy Ruler; if there is no such member eligible or, if they decline, any other Junior Member who has attained the age of ten years may be elected.

C. Honorary Members (1) Honorary Member Defined. Honorary Members are defined as all Elected Officers and

Grand Representatives of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, Grand Lodge, Grand Encampment, Department Council, and members of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee. Honorary members may speak only by invitation of the Grand Ruler, and shall not be entitled to vote.

D. Voting (1) On Motions. Voting on motions in the Grand Junior Lodge shall be as prescribed by the

Ritual; however, Robert's Rules of Order shall be the guide for procedures. (2) On Candidates. Voting on candidates for elective office shall be by paper ballot, except if

there be but one candidate for an office, such a candidate may be elected by acclamation. To be elected to an office, a candidate must receive a majority of votes cast, including blank ballots.

E. Order of Business. (1) First Session

(a) Opening Ceremony (b) Escort of Dignitaries. (c) Roll Call of Officers. (d) Appointment of Officers and Committeemen to fill vacancies. (e) Report of Committee on Credentials. (f) Reading of the minutes of last session. (g) Initiation of new members. (h) Report of Grand Lodge Youth Committee on activities of Junior Lodges approved by the

Grand Lodge at the last session (i) Resolutions to be presented and referred. (j) Report of Grand Junior Lodge Officers. (k) Nomination of Officers. (l) Selection of meeting place.

XIII – 2 THE GRAND JUNIOR LODGE

(m) Communications. (n) Report of Standing Committee. (o) Report of Committee on assignment of Officers reports. (p) Good of the Order. (q) Presentation and selection of Queen Candidate (to be at a convenient time during the

meeting). (r) Miscellaneous Business. (s) Adjournment.

(2) Second Session (a) Opening Ceremony. (b) Roll Call of Officers. (c) Reading of the minutes of the preceding day. (d) Second nomination of Officers. (e) Appoint one (1) Senior Member and seven (7) Representatives as Tellers. (f) Election of Officers. (g) Resolutions to be presented and referred. (h) Report of various committees. (i) Good of the Order. (j) Appointment of officers and Committees by Grand Ruler-Elect (k) Approval of appointments. (l) Installation of newly Elected and Appointed Officers (Grand Ruler announces that

installation will be held over for Joint Installation with the officers of the Theta Rho Assembly.)

(m) Closing Ceremony. F. Qualifications for Office.

(1) Grand Ruler. (a) Must be a Deputy Grand Ruler or Past Deputy Grand Ruler. (b) Must meet all qualifications for other elective offices.

(2) Other Elective Offices. (a) Must be a member as defined in Article V, Section 1, Constitution of Grand Junior Lodge. (b) Must be a Past Chief Ruler (c) Shall not have attained age twenty-one by time of installation. (d) Shall have written consent of parent or guardian. (e) Shall have written recommendation from his Junior Lodge. (f) Shall have approval from his advisor. (g) Shall have approval from his Grand Lodge Youth Committee Area Chairman.

(3) Appointive Offices. (a) Must be a member as defined in Article V, Section 1, Constitution of Grand Junior Lodge. (b) Shall meet qualifications listed in Chapter XIII – 2, Section (F) (2) (c) through (g), of this

Code. (c) A prospective District Deputy Grand Ruler must also have approval from a majority of the

Junior Lodges in his district G. Waiver of Qualifications.

(1) How Waived. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge may issue a dispensation to waive the qualifications for office for one year, if the conditions of the Grand Junior Lodge requires it.


H. Nominations. (1) Who May Nominate. Any member, as defined in Article V, Section 1, Constitution of Grand

Junior Lodge, may place the name of any qualified candidate in nomination for elective office or trustee.

I. Duties of Elective Officers. (1) Term of Officer. The term of all Elective Grand Junior Lodge Officers shall commence at

the time of Installation and continue until the close of the next regular annual session. (2) Grand Ruler.

(a) He shall preside at all sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge and appoint such committees as are required, planning such instructions and exemplifications as will tend to develop the Junior Lodge in the Jurisdiction. He shall be assisted by the Advisory Officers of the Junior Lodges, and each Advisory Officer shall assist his Junior Lodge in preparing any work that may be assigned to it.

(b) Appeal. All questions of order, on all decisions made by him on any point growing out of the Constitution or By-Laws of the Grand Junior Lodge, shall be subject to appeal from his decision; if in session by the Grand Junior Lodge, if not in session, by the Grand Lodge Youth Committee.

(c) Votes. He shall cast the deciding vote in all cases where the votes are equally divided, except in cases of election of officers.

(d) Appointments. He may appoint District Deputy Grand Rulers for the respective Districts. (e) He may, with approval of the Grand Master, issue certain Dispensations dealing with

special Junior Lodge functions. (f) He shall attend the meetings of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Committee as designated

by the By-Laws of said Committee. (g) The retiring Grand Ruler shall install the elective and appointive officers or cause them to

be installed by a Past Grand Ruler. (3) Deputy Grand Ruler.

(a) He shall support the Grand Ruler in presiding and in his absence, shall fill his chair. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Grand Ruler, the Deputy Grand Ruler shall become the Grand Ruler for the balance of the term, and receive the honors of a full term, provided he serves a majority of a term and to the end of a term.

(b) He shall be a member of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee with full voice and vote. He shall deliver the report of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee to the Grand Junior Lodge at its annual sessions and shall be entitled to such mileage and per diem as the Grand Lodge allows. 1983- 151

(c) He shall attend the meetings of the Grand Bodies Joint Planning Committee as designated by the By-Laws of said Committee.

(d) He shall serve on the programs committee. (4) Grand Recorder.

(a) He shall make a just and true record of the proceedings at every session, and transmit, as soon as possible, after the close of the annual session; to the office of the Grand Secretary, the Grand Lodge Youth Committee, and the Junior Lodges: one copy thereof.

(b) He shall keep a record of the accounts between the Grand Junior Lodge and its Junior Lodges and collaborate with the office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California in maintaining same.

(c) He shall issue all notices and circulars to the Junior Lodges, Representatives, Officers, and the Grand Lodge Office.

(d) He shall perform such other duties as may be ordered by the Grand Junior Lodge or the Grand Ruler.


(e) He shall submit an annual report of the work of his office to the Grand Junior Lodge. (5) Grand Treasurer.

(a) The Grand Treasurer shall keep a true account of the finances of the Grand Junior Lodge and collaborate with the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of California in maintaining same.

(b) He shall submit an annual financial report to the Grand Junior Lodge showing all receipts and disbursements for the year.

(c) The Grand Treasurer shall organize and carry out at least one fund raising event during his term of office. The funds from this event will be assigned to the Grand Junior Lodge General Fund. 1983- 151.

(6) Ex-Officio Director of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp. (a) He shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors of the Youth Camp and present a

view representing the Youth of the Order. (b) He shall, with his Theta Rho Assembly counterpart, plan the activities for the annual

Youth Camp Weekend. (7) The Past Grand Ruler.

(a) He shall plan, coordinate, and preside over the Youth Night program at Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly, with the Junior Past President of the Theta Rho Assembly, when invited by the Grand Master and Rebekah Assembly President.

(b) He shall serve as chairman on the committee of Grand Instructors of the Grand Junior Lodge.

(c) He shall assist his successor, when called upon, as to the conduct of business at the Grand Junior Lodge Sessions.

(d) He shall act as Master of Ceremonies at the formal opening of Grand Junior Lodge, when invited.

J. Duties of Appointive Officers. (1) Term of Office. The term of office of all appointive Grand Junior Lodge Officers, except the

District Deputy Grand Ruler, shall commence at the time of installation and continue until the close of the next regular annual session.

(2) District Deputy Grand Ruler. (a) Shall hold office commencing on the first day of July, and ending on the last day of June,

the following year. (b) He shall, in the absence of the Grand Ruler, install the officers of all the Junior Lodges in

his district. (c) He shall enforce a due observance of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of the Grand

Junior Lodge. (d) He shall be the representative of the Grand Ruler with the Lodges in his district. (e) He shall see that the work of the Order is performed uniformly. (f) He shall verify that incoming Chief Rulers and Deputy Rulers are able to perform the work

pertaining to their offices without the use of the Ritual. (3) Grand Warden.

(a) Shall assist the Grand Ruler in conducting the business of the Grand Junior Lodge. (b) He shall, under direction of the Grand Ruler, have special charge of the door. (c) Shall perform such other duties as may be directed by the Grand Ruler.

(4) Grand Marshal. (a) He shall, assisted by the Grand Conductor, receive the password from all members present

prior to commencement of daily business. (b) He shall, with the Grand Conductor, prepare the room before the meeting is called to order.


(c) He shall assist the Grand Ruler in any way the Grand Ruler may require. (5) Grand Conductor.

(a) He shall assist the Grand Marshal in receiving the password from all members prior to the commencement of daily business.

(b) He shall, with the Grand Marshal, prepare the room before the meeting is called to order. (c) He shall assist the Grand Ruler in any way the Grand Ruler may require.

(6) Grand Chaplain. (a) He shall conduct the devotional exercises of the Grand Junior Lodge, securing whatever

assistance may be required. (b) Plan and conduct a Memorial Service, with the Chaplain of the Theta Rho Assembly, to be

held prior to commencement of sessions. (c) Plan and conduct a devotional service with the Chaplain of the Theta Rho Assembly, to be

held at the annual Youth Camp Weekend. (d) He shall perform other duties that the Grand Ruler may assign.

(7) Grand Inner Sentinel. (a) He shall have charge of the inner door, under the direction of the Grand Warden, and shall

admit no one until directed to do so by the Grand Warden. (b) He shall perform other duties that the Grand Ruler may assign.

(8) Grand Outer Sentinel. (a) He shall have charge of the anteroom and receive the password. (b) He shall report the presence of members without the password, visitors from other

Jurisdictions, visiting officials, and Honorary Members. (c) He shall, when in doubt, report all such cases to the Grand Warden. (d) He shall perform other duties that the Grand Ruler may assign.

(9) Grand Musician. (a) He shall preside at the piano during opening and closing ceremonies and as otherwise

directed by the Grand Ruler. (10) Grand Color Bearer.

(a) He shall present and retire the American flag at the Joint Formal Opening of Grand Junior Lodge and Theta Rho Assembly.

(b) He shall present and retire the American flag at the opening and closing of sessions. (11) Right and Left Supporter to The Grand Ruler.

(a) They shall assist the Grand Ruler in the conduct of that officer's duties. (b) They shall perform any other duties assigned by the Grand Ruler.

(12) Right and Left Supporter to The Deputy Grand Ruler. (a) They shall assist the Deputy Grand Ruler in the conduct of that officer's duties. (b) They shall perform any other duties assigned by the Grand Ruler.

(13) Herald. (a) He shall perform such duties as may be required by the Grand Ruler.

K. Regular Committees. (1) Shall Appoint. The incoming Grand Ruler shall appoint the following committees at the

regular annual session to serve for one year. The committees shall work under supervision of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee.

(2) Committee on Credentials. This Committee on Credentials shall consist of three members who shall examine and report to the Grand Junior Lodge on the credentials and certificates of members.


(3) Committee on Legislation. This Committee shall consist of three members who shall examine and report on all proposed amendments of the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules of Order, and Standing Rules governing this Grand Junior Lodge and such other matters as may be referred to them by the Grand Junior Lodge or the Grand Ruler.

(4) Committee on Finance. The Committee on Finance shall consist of three members who shall examine and report all accounts and claims against the Grand Junior Lodge, prior to their being passed for payment by the Grand Junior Lodge; examine the accounts of the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer annually, and report the result of their examination and the condition of the finances immediately thereafter to the Grand Ruler, ascertain and report at the commencement of each annual Session of the Grand Junior Lodge, the amount of funds needed for the ensuing year, and suggest such measures of finance as they may deem expedient.

(5) Committee on Publicity. This Committee shall consist of three members who shall secure proper publicity for the Junior Order in this Jurisdiction. This committee shall function, not only during the Grand Junior Lodge sessions, but also throughout the year.

(6) Committee on State of the Order. The Committee on the State of the Order shall consist of three members who shall report to the Grand Junior Lodge the conditions and progress of the Junior Lodges in California, and recommend such measures for the good of the Order as from time to time they shall judge proper.

(7) Committee on Courtesy. This committee shall consist of three members who shall make a report of, and send thanks for, the courtesies extended to the Grand Junior Lodge at the time of the sessions. They shall also receive and introduce all distinguished guests.

(8) Committee on Programs. This Committee shall consist of three members, one of whom shall be the Deputy Grand Ruler, and shall set a program, which includes recreational plans for the Grand Junior Lodge Session. These programs shall be submitted to the Jurisdictional Youth Committee for approval.

(9) Committee on By-Laws. This Committee shall consist of three members who shall examine and report on the By-Laws of the Junior Lodges, referred to them, and also to examine and approve the By-Laws of Junior Lodges that may be submitted to them prior to being printed. They shall make such alterations in said By-Laws as will make them conform to the laws and regulations of the Junior Order subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge.

(10) Committee on Assignments. This committee shall consist of three members who shall receive all reports and resolutions and refer them to the various and proper committees for consideration and action.

(11) Committee on Examination of District Deputy Grand Rulers. This committee shall consist of three members who shall examine and pass on the qualifications of all candidates for District Deputy Grand Rulers and make reports of the same to the Grand Junior Lodge.

(12) Committee of Grand Instructors of Grand Junior Lodge. A Committee of Grand Instructors shall consist of the Past Grand Ruler who shall be Chairman, and three (3) Advisors, who shall be Past Grand Rulers if possible, appointed by the Grand Ruler. The duties shall be: to provide for and plan schools of instruction, and/or model Lodges. The three Advisors will set up these schools of instruction, and model Lodges as per the chairman's orders. The Advisors will also notify surrounding Lodges of these functions when held in their area, and be present to answer questions that would be brought before them.

L. General Decorum. (1) Generally. During the meeting, the most decorous silence must be observed; the Officers and

members retaining their respective seats and no one leaving the room without the permission of the Grand Warden, nor entering without the consent of the Grand Warden.


No member shall by conversation, or otherwise, interrupt the business of the Grand Junior Lodge, or refuse to obey the Chair. Every Officer and member shall be designated in debate, or otherwise, by his proper office or title according to his rank in the Order. No member shall be permitted to vote or speak, unless clothed in regalia appropriate to his rank and station.

M. Compensation: (1) Travel Allowance. The Grand Ruler shall be reimbursed for expenses, upon presentation of

proper receipts and/or vouchers, up to $175.00 per month, not to exceed $2,100.00 per year. Reimbursement shall be for all functions authorized by the Youth Committee. If the Grand Ruler is unable to attend an authorized function, and has appointed an alternate to represent him, that person shall be reimbursed in a manner authorized by the Youth Committee.

(2) Travel Authorization. The Grand Ruler, if he is 18 years old or more, may travel as an adult. For any Junior Lodge passenger he has in his vehicle, he must have in his possession permission slips and medical authorizations from the parents and/or guardians

CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR LODGES XIV – 1

CHAPTER XIV CONSTITUTION

OF JUNIOR LODGES

Of The Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

Of California

PREAMBLE Sec. 1. For the purpose of effecting uniformity in administration of the privileges. honors and benefits

of Junior Lodge membership in this jurisdiction, the Grand Junior Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, acting under the authority of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, does ordain this Constitution of Junior Lodges of California.

ARTICLE I. Structure and Powers

Sec. 1. This Junior Lodge shall consist of a minimum of ten Active Members, to be known as __________ Junior Lodge No. __________ of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, holding a legal Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California.

Sec. 2. The Rituals, Constitution, Laws and Decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Laws and Decisions of the Grand Lodge of California are the laws of this Junior Lodge and all persons, by becoming or continuing as members of this Junior Lodge will abide by the same.

Sec. 3. This Junior Lodge shall have the authority to exercise all powers specifically granted it by the laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and shall have power, subject to the authority of the Grand Lodge of California, to establish such privileges and engage in such projects and activities as are consistent with the laws and principles of the Order.


Sec. 1. The objects and purposes of this Junior Lodge are to: (1) Promote an understanding of the higher purposes of life; (2) Develop a generous, helpful, and fraternal relationship among its members; (3) Develop a true knowledge of government and a patriotic spirit; (4) Encourage physical and mental development; and (5) Foster higher education among the members.

ARTICLE III. Terms and Meetings

Sec. 1. The regular term of this Junior Lodge shall be for six months. Terms shall commence on the first meeting in April, and the first meeting in October; excepting however, if the By-Laws so provide the term shall be for one year; and shall commence on the first meeting in April.

Sec. 2. This Junior Lodge shall hold regular meetings at least once each month, as provided by its By-Laws, at such time and place as the By-Laws shall state. Provided however, this Junior Lodge may, if the By-Laws provide for a term of one year, dispense with regular meetings for a period not to exceed two months in a calendar year.

Sec. 3. Occasional meetings may be held in places and at times other than specified by the By-Laws, when a dispensation for such meeting has been granted by the Grand Ruler.

XIV – 2 CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR LODGES

Sec. 4. This Junior Lodge may, upon notification of all active members, hold special meetings during which no business shall be transacted other than that for which the meeting was called. Applications for membership shall not be received or elections held at special meetings.

Sec. 5. Five Active Members, including one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In addition to a quorum, an Advisor or Assistant Advisor shall be present during the transaction of any business. If the Junior Lodge, during any meeting, is left without a quorum or Advisor, no business shall be transacted and the presiding officer shall declare the Junior Lodge closed without ceremony.

ARTICLE IV. Membership

Sec. 1. Membership in the Junior Lodge shall be divided into the following categories: 1) Active, 2) Graduate, 3) Life, 4) Senior Brother, and 5) Honorary, as defined in Chapter XV – 1, Section 1 (C), of this Code.

Sec. 2. All males between the ages of ten and eighteen years residing in this jurisdiction, who are of good moral character, believe in the Supreme Being, and have never been affiliated with a Junior Lodge, are eligible to apply for Active membership by initiation. (a) All males between the ages of eight (8) and ten (10) residing in this jurisdiction who are of

good moral character, believe in a Supreme Being, with the approval of the advisor and area youth committee chairman of that junior lodge may apply for membership

Sec. 3. A Junior Lodge member, meeting the requirements of Sections I and 2, of the Article, may transfer membership into this Junior Lodge in the manner set forth in Chapter XXIV – 2, Section 1 (C), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 4. A member of a Junior Lodge who has established residence within this jurisdiction may apply for Associate Membership in this Junior Lodge, upon proof of membership in good standing in his home Lodge. Associate Membership shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter XX – 2, Article III, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 5. Every applicant for membership in this Junior Lodge by deposit of card or certificate shall be free of encumbrances or indebtedness to another Junior Lodge.

Sec. 6. Reinstatement of suspended members of the Junior Lodge shall be effected in the manner prescribed in Chapter XX – 17, Section 13, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 7. Any member in good standing in an Odd Fellow Lodge may attend any meeting of this Junior Lodge, upon presentation of an Official Certificate showing dues paid through date.

ARTICLE V. Fees and Dues

Sec. 1. The fee for admission to membership in this Junior Lodge by initiation shall be prescribed in the By-Laws and shall not be less than three dollars for Active Members or Senior Brothers.

Sec. 2. There shall be no fee for admission to membership in this Junior Lodge by deposit of unexpired Withdrawal Card or Transfer Certificate.

Sec. 3. The fee for admission by Reinstatement, Deposit of Expired Withdrawal Card or Dismissal Certificate shall be an amount equal to one year's dues.

Sec. 4. The annual dues for all members of this Junior Lodge shall be as prescribed in the By-Laws and shall not be less than the per capita tax and insurance premiums established by Grand Junior Lodge.

Sec. 5. The granting of cards and certificates by this Junior Lodge shall be governed by the applicable Sections of Chapter XX – 16, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 6. Dues and assessments shall not be required on Active Members serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR LODGES XIV – 3


Sec. 1. The Elective and Appointive Officers of the Junior Lodge shall be those specified in the Ritual.

Sec. 2. Eligibility for office shall be prescribed in Chapter XX – 6, Section l (F), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

ARTICLE VII. Nominations, Elections and Appointments

Sec. 1. Nominations for elective officers shall be made only on the two meetings immediately preceding that of the regular election, except when all nominees for the office decline.

Sec. 2. Officers of this Junior Lodge shall be elected at the first meeting in March, and September, of each year, unless the By-Laws provide for a term of one year. Then, election shall take place at the first meeting in March.

Sec. 3. Vacancies in office shall be filled in the manner prescribed in Chapter V – 14, Section 1 (P), of this Code.

Sec. 4. This Junior Lodge, at its first (1) meeting in the third (3) month prior to annual session of the Grand Junior Lodge of California, shall elect five Representatives thereto. Qualifications for elected Representatives shall be as set forth in Chapter XIII – 1, Section 1 (B) (2), of this Code.

Sec. 5. This Junior Lodge, at its first meeting in February, shall select, without nomination, a senior Brother, to be recommended to the Grand Lodge Youth Committee as Advisor.

Sec. 6. The officers of this Junior Lodge shall be installed during April and October, of each year, unless the By-Laws provide for a term of one year when such installation shall be in April.

ARTICLE VIII. Duties Of Officers

Sec. 1. The duties of the various officers of the Junior Lodge shall be as prescribed in the Ritual, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws Code of California, this Constitution and the By-Laws of this Junior Lodge.

ARTICLE IX. Reports and Per Capita Tax

Sec. 1. The officers of the Junior Lodge shall make, when requested and in the form required, such reports demanded by the Sovereign Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge of California.

Sec. 2. This Junior Lodge shall be required to pay such per capita tax as the Grand Junior Lodge may levy, except for those members serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Sec. 3. Should this Junior Lodge fail to file reports as required by this Constitution for two successive terms, it shall be deemed as an extinct Lodge and its Charter forfeited.

ARTICLE X. Funds and Property

Sec. 1. The funds and property of this Junior Lodge shall be held in a trust fund and shall be administered as set forth in Chapter XV – 2, Section (F), of this Code.

ARTICLE XI. Offenses and Penalties

Sec. 1. Neglect or refusal to pay dues or legally imposed assessments is an offense against this Junior Lodge and the Order.

Sec. 2. The penalty for nonpayment of dues or demands of the Junior Lodge shall be suspension as prescribed in Chapter XX – 2, Article III, Section 1, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and shall be effected as provided therein and in Chapter XV – 2, Section 1 (G), of this Code.

XIV – 4 CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR LODGES

Sec. 3. Any member of this Junior Lodge charged with an offense against the Order, as defined by Chapter XX – 17, Section 13, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws or Chapter XV – 2, Section 1 (G), of this Code, shall be subject to the penalties and procedures specified in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and the Code of California.

ARTICLE XII. Interpretation and Amendment

Sec. 1. When any doubt arises as to the true meaning of these Articles, it shall be determined by the Grand Junior Lodge, subject to review by the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. No alteration or amendment to this Constitution shall be made by the Grand Junior Lodge, until a resolution to alter or amend is submitted in writing at a regular session of the Grand Junior Lodge, and shall receive an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the representatives present. Such amendment becomes effective when it has been approved by the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE XIII. By-Laws

Sec. 1. This Junior Lodge shall adopt By-Laws . Sec. 2. By-Laws shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in the manner set forth in Chapter XV – 1,

Section 1 (A), of this Code.

JUNIOR LODGES XV – 1

CHAPTER XV JUNIOR LODGES

Section. 1. Organization. A. Authorization.

(1) Grand Lodge Authority. Pursuant to the authority granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Grand Lodge of California does authorize the institution of Junior Lodges in this jurisdiction, and upon legal institution of said Junior Lodges, authorizes and encourages Odd Fellow Lodges in this Jurisdiction to sponsor, support, maintain, perpetuate, and otherwise administer and regulate the affairs of such Junior Lodges established under the laws of this Order

(2) Absence Of Specific Law. Laws applicable to Odd Fellow Lodges shall apply to any question concerning Junior Lodges, not specifically addressed in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, the Junior Lodges Constitution or this Chapter.

B. Institution. (1) Charter. Upon receipt of the recommendation of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee, the

Grand Master shall have authority to issue a Junior Lodge Charter to a group of boys meeting the minimum requirements for institution of such a Junior Lodge.

(2) Grand Master Shall Institute. The Grand Master or such senior member of the Order as the Grand Master may designate shall be the instituting officer of each new Junior Lodge.

C. Membership. (1) Applications, Form Of. Applications for membership as Active Members or Senior brothers

shall be on a form similar to applications for membership in an Odd Fellows Lodge. (2) Applications, Action On. Applications for membership shall be submitted and acted on in

the same manner as an application for membership in an Odd Fellows Lodge. (3) Graduate Members. Members who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years may receive

the graduate degree and retain all rights and privileges of a member until age twenty-one (21).

(4) Honorary Members Defined. All Elective Officers of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, Grand Lodge of California, members of the Sovereign Grand Lodge Youth Committee and members of the California Grand Lodge Youth Committee, during their representative term of service, shall be official Honorary Members of Junior Lodges in the jurisdiction. The Noble Grand of the sponsoring Odd Fellow Lodges is an Official Honorary Member of the sponsored Junior Lodge.

(5) Good Standing Required. Life, Graduate and Senior Brother members of a Junior Lodge must be in good standings in an Odd Fellow Lodge as a condition of Junior Lodge membership.

(6) No Right to Speak or Vote. Honorary members shall have no right or speak on matters coming before the Junior Lodge, except by invitation or consent, and no right to vote.

(7) Senior Brother. A senior brother is defined as an adult male over the age of eighteen (18) who holds active membership in an Odd Fellows Lodge.

D. Elective and Appointive Officers. (1) Chief Ruler Shall Appoint. The Chief Ruler shall appoint all Appointive Officers, except

the Right and Left Supporter of the Deputy Ruler, who shall be appointed by the Deputy Ruler.

(2) Officer When Twenty-One (21) Years of age. Any current, installed officer who turns twenty-one (21) while in office shall be considered and active member and may continue in such office until the end of the term.

XV – 2 JUNIOR LODGES

E. Reports (1) Term Reports.

(a) At the end of each term, an Auditing Committee appointed by the Chief Ruler, and a qualified senior brother appointed by the Advisor, shall prepare the semi-annual or annual report which shall be placed in the hands of the Area Grand Lodge Youth Committee member, not later than the last meeting of the month following the end of the reported period. The auditing Committee may also examine and audit the books at other reasonable times they deem expedient or when ordered by the Chief Ruler or the Advisor.

(b) As soon as possible after completion, the Term Report shall be reviewed by a committee of senior brothers appointed by the presiding officer(s) of the sponsoring unit(s).

(2) Tax and Insurance Shall Accompany. The semi-annual and annual report shall be accompanied by a check in payment of the per capita tax. The required insurance premium shall also accompany the June 30th semi-annual report.

(3) Committee Member Shall Submit. The Area Grand Lodge Youth Committee member shall submit within two (2) weeks of receipt, the semi-annual and annual reports to the Grand Secretary.

(4) Junior Lodge Good Standing. A Junior Lodge must have its reports current and per capita tax and insurance paid, no later than February 15th, of each year, to remain in good standing and be eligible to attend Grand Junior Lodge.

F. Funds and Property. (1) Use Of. The funds of each Junior Lodge shall be devoted to the payment of legitimate Junior

Lodge expenses. (2) Shall Be Deposited. All monies received shall be deposited in a chartered and insured bank

or savings institution. The account(s) shall be in the name of the Junior Lodge. (3) Signatures Required. Each account shall require at least four (4) signatures on file. (4) Withdrawal. Two (2) signatures shall be required for the withdrawal of Junior Lodge funds

from any checking or savings account. One signature shall be that of a Junior member and one of the advisory officers.

(5) Disbursements. Warrants shall be drawn and checks issued all monies disbursed. (6) Funds. When Charter Arrested. The funds of a Junior Lodge whose Charter has been arrested

shall be placed in a custodial savings account by the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. If, at the end of three years, the Junior Lodge has not been reactivated, said funds, plus accrued interest, shall be transferred to the Grand Junior Lodge account.

(7) Property When Defunct. The property and funds of a defunct Junior Lodge shall be held in trust and kept separate and apart from the property of the Grand Lodge. The property and funds shall be restored and returned if and when such Junior Lodge is reactivated; provided however, if a Junior Lodge is not reactivated within three years, the property and funds shall revert to, and become the property of the Grand Junior Lodge.

G. Offenses. (1) Removal. Any officer or member may be removed from office or membership in a Junior

Lodge for misconduct or neglect of duty, upon fair trial in accordance with the laws of the Order.

H. Advisory Officers. (1) Junior Lodge Preference. The Grand Lodge Youth Committee shall give preference to the

Brother recommended as Junior Lodge Advisor by the Junior Lodge. (2) Term Advisory. Officers shall be installed at the Grand Junior Lodge session, if they be

present. If convenient in joint form with the Theta Rho Advisory Officers

JUNIOR LODGES XV – 3

(3) Powers. Advisory. Officers shall supervise the Junior Lodge; assist the officers and members in planning activities; see that the laws governing Junior Lodges and policies of the Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge Youth Committee are adhered to: and, do all in their power to increase member and sponsor interest.

(4) Must Attend Meetings. Advisory Officers shall attend Junior Lodge meetings. (5) Membership Status. Each Junior Lodge Advisor and Assistant Advisor(s) must maintain

good standing in this Odd Fellow Lodge and shall become a Senior Brother member of the Junior Lodge within three months of appointment.

(6) The Regional Grand Lodge Youth Committee members shall install Advisory Officers not in attendance of Grand Lodge session, or of newly instituted Junior Lodges, for term not to exceed one year.

(7) Advisory Officer to Recommend Assistants. The advisory officer, at the time of installation, shall recommend to the Area Grand Lodge Youth Committee Member, the brother(s) to be installed as Assistant Junior Lodge Advisor(s).

XV – 4 JUNIOR LODGES

CHARTER OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY XVI – 1

CHAPTER XVI CHARTER OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY

OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY


of the State of California

To all whom it may concern: Know ye that the Rebekah Assembly of California aforesaid and the Jurisdiction of the Order

thereunto, belonging by virtue of authority vested in it, does hereby authorize and empower the following Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, viz: San Jose No. 1, Oakland No. 2, Mill Valley No. 3, Sigma No. 5, Stockton No. 6, Mu No. 7, Fresno No. 8, Pomona No. 9, San Francisco No. 11, Alpha No. 12, Richmond No. 13, Peninsula No. 14, Sigma Delta No. 15, Tracy No. 16, Gilroy No. 17, Lodi-Woodbridge No. 18, Delta No. 19, Hughson No. 20, Windsor No. 21, Redlands No. 22, Santa Barbara No. 23, Gamma No. 24, Ferndale No. 25, Merced No. 26, Delta Kappa No. 27, Willita No. 28, Santa Rosa No. 29, Tekomas No. 30, Tejon No. 31, Omaga Chi No. 33, and Fediles No. 34, and such further duly and legally authorized Theta Rho Girls' Clubs that this Jurisdiction as may subscribe to the requirements herein to constitute a Theta Rho Assembly in the State of California, to be known and hailed by the title of Theta Rho Assembly of California.

The said Theta Rho Assembly is authorized and empowered to direct, supervise and control all matters pertaining to Theta Rho Girls' Clubs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows within the Jurisdiction of the said Theta Rho Assembly under the supervision of the Youth Committee of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly according to the rules and regulations of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as they pertain to Theta Rho Girls' Clubs.

Provided always that the said Theta Rho Assembly shall render strict obedience to the mandates and laws of this Rebekah Assembly and to the ordinance of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Otherwise this Charter shall be of no force or effect. This Charter shall become valid from and after endorsement of the same by the Assembly President and notification of said institution being given to the Sovereign Grand Secretary.

Given under the seal of the said Rebekah Assembly and the signatures of the Officers at Fresno, California this fourteenth say of May 1940.

s/ Thelma Cossick, Assembly President

Attest: s/ Mary Rewcastle, Assembly Secretary

s/ Vera W. Smith, President of the Board Control

XVI – 2 CHARTER OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY

CONSTITUTION OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY XVII – 1

CHAPTER XVII CONSTITUTION

OF THE THETA RHO ASSEMBLY


OF CALIFORNIA PREAMBLE

The Rebekah Assembly of California, acting pursuant to authorization granted to said Assembly by the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California in annual session at Riverside, in 1932, to form and sponsor Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in this jurisdiction, has duly granted to the clubs, so formed, the right to assembly in Annual Convention; under uniform rules of government, as hereafter specified, for the purpose of furthering the established principles of the Order.

ARTICLE I. Name and Jurisdiction

Sec. 1. This assembly of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs shall be known as the Theta Rho Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, and shall be composed of all members in good standing in any Theta Rho Girls' Club in good standing, in California.


Sec. 1. The objects and purposes of this Theta Rho Assembly are to encourage and promote: (1) Friendship and Understanding between Theta Rho Girls' Clubs; (2) The institution of new Theta Rho Girls' Clubs; (3) Proficiency in the work of Theta Rho; (4) Friendship and Cooperation between Theta Rho Girls' Clubs and Junior Odd Fellow Lodges;

and (5) Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Respect between Theta Rho Girls and Senior Members

of the Order. ARTICLE III.

Power and Authority Sec. 1. This Theta Rho Assembly shall have power and authority to recommend, to the Rebekah

Assembly, such guides in the form of duly adopted Constitution(s), Standing Rules, Resolutions and/or amendments to same, relative to the government of this Theta Rho Assembly or the Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in this jurisdiction, as in the opinion of this Assembly may be for the achievement of its objects and purposes and for the advancement of the Order. All such recommendations approved by this Assembly shall be presented to the Rebekah Assembly by the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

Sec. 2. The Theta Rho Assemblies shall NOT sell or distribute for any purpose outside the fraternity, any of the members rosters, mailing lists, including personal information held by the Theta Rho Assembly or its Theta Rho Clubs to any person or persons, institutions or agencies for sales promotions, or for other purposes within or without the Theta Rho Assemblies, without the expressed permission of the member. Further any distribution must have the expressed permission of the voting members of the Theta Rho Assembly present and voting at any regular or called special meeting.

ARTICLE IV. Sessions

Sec. 1. This Theta Rho Assembly shall hold regular sessions on the Saturday and Sunday prior to Presidents Day each February of each year at a site within the jurisdiction of California. This to be effective in the year 1995.

XVII – 2 CONSTITUTION OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY

(1) This Assembly, under the authority and with the approval of the California Joint Youth Committee, may hold its annual sessions in conjunction with the annual sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge of California.

Sec. 2. The Convention site for the annual sessions shall be selected two years in advance in accordance with the following:

(1) this Assembly, when meeting in conjunction with the Grand Junior Lodge, shall vote on the selection of the annual convention site for sessions to be held during odd numbered years.

(2) all invitations for future convention sites shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, at least sixty days prior to the opening of the Session at which they are to be considered. Suitability of proposed convention sites shall be determined by the Grand Lodge Directors.

(3) a committee from local Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges from the host city or area shall be responsible for arranging and organizing the Annual Sessions of the Grand Junior Lodge and Theta Rho Assembly. This committee shall work with the Grand Ruler, Theta Rho Assembly President and the California Joint Youth Committee, with all arrangements subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge of-California. When no local or area Lodges undertake this responsibility, any group of three Odd Fellows and Rebekahs may assume this responsibility.

Sec. 3. Five Representatives, representing three (3) Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, with one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In addition to a quorum of Representatives, a member of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee shall be present during the transaction of any Assembly business.

Sec. 4. The passwords and signs used in this Assembly shall be those specified by the Theta Rho Assembly Degree Ceremony.

ARTICLE V. Members and Representatives

Sec. 1. Any member in good standing in a Theta Rho Girls' Club in good standing in this jurisdiction, including Honorary members as defined in Chapter XX – 1, Section 1 (C) (3), of this Code, is eligible to become a member of this Assembly, by attending the sessions and receiving the Theta Rho Assembly Degree.

Sec. 2. Each Theta Rho Girls' Club in good standing shall elect four Representatives to this Theta Rho Assembly. Representatives shall meet the qualifications and be elected in the manner prescribed in Chapter XVIII – 4, Section 1 (H), of this Code.

Sec. 3. The elected Representatives and Representatives-at-Large as specified in Chapter XVIII – 4, Section 1 (H), of this Code, shall constitute the legislative members of this Theta Rho Assembly and shall transact the Assembly Business.

Sec. 4. Legislative members of this Assembly shall be entitled to speak and vote on all motions and candidates.

Sec. 5. Non-legislative members shall have no vote and may speak only after receiving permission of a majority of the voting members as determined by the President; excepting however, any active member may nominate a qualified candidate for Elective Office.

Sec. 6. The Executive Committee, as specified in Article VIII, Section 1, of this Constitution, shall act on all matters requiring immediate attention during the annual adjournment of the Assembly. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be subject to review and concurrence at the next annual session of the Assembly.


Sec. 1. The Elective Officers of this Assembly shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

CONSTITUTION OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY XVII – 3

Sec. 2. The Appointive Officers of this Assembly shall be Warden, Conductor, Marshal, Chaplain, Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian, Musician, Right and Left Supporters of the President, Banner Bearer and First, Second, Third and Fourth Heralds, to be appointed by the President, and Right and Left Supporters of the Vice President, to be appointed by the Vice President.

Sec. 3. Elected Representatives who have served a term as President or Vice President of a Theta Rho Girls' Club and who are entitled to the Honors of such Office shall be eligible to hold any Elective or Appointive Office in this Assembly; provided however, nominees for President and Vice President shall meet the additional requirements specified in Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (C) (3), of this Code.

Sec. 4. Elected representative or any girl that is Past President of a Theta Rho Girls' Club and who are entitled to the honors of such office shall be eligible to hold any Elective or Appointive Office in this Assembly; provided however, nominees for President and Vice President shall meet the additional requirements specified in Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (C) (3), of this Code.

Sec. 5. The powers and duties of the Elective and Appointive Officers of this Assembly shall be as prescribed in the Ritual, this Constitution, and Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (D), of this Code.

Sec. 6. Any elective or appointive officer who has not completed the duties of the office to which she has been installed, will not be eligible to receive the Honors of the Office as a past elective or past appointive officer. This officer shall be so informed in writing by the Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee and attested by the President of the Theta Rho Assembly.

(1) Completing the duties of Office is considered as returning to Theta Rho Assembly as such Officer and, if duties extend beyond the Session, they must be completed in full as per Chapter XVIII – 2, Section 1 (F), of this Code.

(2) If an Officer is not attending her Club meetings with the exception of Chapter XVIII – 5, Section 1 (H) (4) and (5), of this Code, such that it looks like she will not meet the attendance requirement of two-thirds of the regularly scheduled Club meetings then she shall not be entitled to a reception as an Elective Officer or any Area Party as an Appointive Officer. This decision shall be made by the Advisor and Rebekah Assembly Area Youth Committee member.

ARTICLE VII. Nominations, Elections and Appointments

Sec. 1. Nominations for elective Office shall be held on Saturday, in the manner prescribed in Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (C), of this Code.

Sec. 2. The election of Officers shall be held on Saturday in conformity with the provisions of Chapter XVIII – 1, Section 1 (D), of this Code.

Sec. 3. When a vacancy in any Elective Office exists, the Executive Committee shall appoint a qualified Elected Representative to fill the office for the remainder of the term.

Sec. 4. When a vacancy in any Appointive Office exists, the Officer making the original appointment shall appoint a qualified, Elected Representative to fill the Office for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE VIII. Committees

Sec. 1. The Executive Committee of this Assembly shall consist of the Junior Past President, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The President shall be the Chairman and may call meetings of the committee at her discretion, after notifying all members thereof and the Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee. Members of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee shall be entitled to attend any Executive Committee meeting.

Sec. 2. Regular Committees of this Assembly shall be appointed in such number(s) and to perform such duties as prescribed in Chapter XVIII – 3, Section 1 (G), of this Code.

Sec. 3. The President of the Assembly may appoint Special Committees in such number(s) and for such purposes as this Assembly may deem appropriate.

XVII – 4 CONSTITUTION OF THETA RHO ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE IX. Revenues and Per Captia Dues

Sec. 1. Partial financial support for this Assembly shall be raised by per capita dues on the Theta Rho Girls’ Clubs in this jurisdiction at such uniform rate per member as this Theta Rho Assembly may deem proper, subject to approval of the Rebekah Assembly. Such revenues shall be used to defray the legitimate and necessary expenses of this Assembly with the remaining support pledged by the Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 2. No per capita dues shall be assessed on associate membership. Sec. 3. No per capita dues shall be assessed on members serving in the American Armed Forces.

ARTICLE X. Interpretation and Amendment

Sec. 1. When any doubt arises as to the true meaning of these Articles, it shall be determined by the Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 2. These Articles, or any part thereof, shall not be altered or amended by this Assembly until a proposition to alter or amend the same shall have been submitted in writing at a regular Session of this Assembly and shall have received the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the legislative members present and voting. Such amendments when approved by this Assembly, shall become effective upon approval of the Rebekah Assembly

THETA RHO ASSEMBLY XVIII – 1

CHAPTER XVIII THETA RHO ASSEMBLY OF CALIFORNIA

Section. 1. Organization. A. Authority.

(1) Approval Required. The adoption of a Theta Rho Assembly Constitution, or any changes in the laws appertaining thereto, and all other acts of said Assembly shall be approved by the Rebekah Assembly, before becoming effective.

(2) Standing Rules, Approval. Standing Rules shall be approved by the Rebekah Assembly before becoming effective.

(3) Absence of Specific Law. Laws applicable to the Rebekah Assembly shall govern the Theta Rho Assembly in the absence of any specific reference contained in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, the Constitution of the Theta Rho Assembly, or this Chapter.

B. Voting. (1) On Motions. Legislative members of the Theta Rho Assembly shall cast votes by the voting

sign on all motions presented to the Assembly, provided however, a division may be called for under the rules of the Assembly.

(2) On Candidates. Voting on candidates for office shall be by paper ballot, with one candidate receiving a majority of votes cast in order to be elected; provided however, if there be but one candidate for an office, such candidate may be elected by acclamation.

C. Nominations. (1) Who may Nominate. Any active member of the Theta Rho Assembly has the right to place

the name of a qualified candidate in nomination for elective office. (2) Nominees Submit Qualifications. All prospective nominees shall submit written

qualifications to the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee at least thirty days prior to the opening of the Theta Rho Assembly.

(3) May Nominate Two. A Club may nominate two of its qualified members for different Offices at any session, providing however, no Club shall nominate its members for both President and Vice President.

(4) Qualifications, President and Vice President. Nominees for the office of the President and Vice President, in addition to the qualifications for elective office specified in the Constitution of the Theta Rho Assembly, shall:

(a) be sixteen years old or older; (b) have written consent of at least one parent or guardian; (c) have submitted recommendations from her club and advisor, to the Rebekah Assembly

Youth Committee, at least thirty days prior to the session; (d) have attended at least one previous session of Theta Rho Assembly as an Elected

Representative and served a full term, or completed a majority of a term as an Elective Officer, Appointive Officer or Committee member of the Theta Rho Assembly; and,

(e) be willing and available to visit Clubs, Council meetings and the meetings of Committees of which she would be a member.

D. Elections. (1) Prepared Ballots. Only prepared ballots listing nominees shall be used for election of

Officers. (2) Tellers. The President shall appoint a sufficient number of tellers to accurately canvass the

ballots (3) Supervision of Tally. The tallying of ballots shall be under the supervision of members of

the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

XVIII – 2 THETA RHO ASSEMBLY

(4) Business, Assembly May Proceed. When the tellers retire to canvass the ballots, the Assembly may proceed with the regular order of business; however, it shall be in order to receive the report of the tellers and declare the result of the ballot at any time. If there be no majority, a second ballot shall be order, with said ballot being confined to the three nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast for each undecided office. If there be no election on the second ballot, a third ballot shall be taken, which shall be confined to the two nominees receiving the highest vote on the second ballot.

E. Installation. (1) Installation, When. Officers shall be installed at the close of the session. (2) Joint Installation. The Theta Rho Assembly may install jointly with the Grand Junior

Lodge, upon the approval of the California Joint Youth Committee. (3) Term, Commences When. The term of all Assembly officers shall commence at the

completion of installation and continue until the close of the next annual session. F. Duties Of Officers.

(1) President. It shall be the duty of the President, in conjunction with the duties set forth in the Theta Rho Assembly Ritual to:

(a) preside at all sessions of the Theta Rho Assembly; (b) appoint such officers as specified in the Constitution; (c) cast the deciding vote on motions, in all cases where the votes are equally divided; (d) appoint such Committee as required by the Constitution, this Code of the Assembly; (e) plan such instructions and exemplifications as will tend to develop Theta Rho; (f) serve as an ex-officio member, with voice, but without vote, on the Rebekah Assembly

Youth Committee and attend the meetings thereof; and, (g) serve as a member and attend the meetings of the Joint Bodies Planning Committee, as

designated by the by-laws of said Committee. (2) Vice President. It shall be the duty of the Vice President in conjunction with the duties set

forth in the Theta Rho Assembly Ritual to: (a) assist the President in the performance of her duties and preside over the Assembly during

the absence of the President; (b) serve as the Theta Rho Assembly representative to the Rebekah Assembly Youth

Committee and attend all stated and special meetings of said committee, with voice and vote, she shall receive mileage from the funds of the Theta Rho Assembly for attendance at such stated and special meetings of the committee, at the current rate established at each annual session one way from the location of her club; and

(c) serve as a member and attend the meetings of the Joint Bodies Planning Board, as designated by the by-laws of said board.

(3) Secretary. It will be the duty of the Secretary, in conjunction with the duties set forth in the Theta Rho Assembly Ritual to:

(a) keep an accurate record of the proceedings of 3 each session and issue all necessary notices; and,

(b) deliver a completed copy of the proceedings of the session to the Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee within thirty days after the close of the session.

(4) Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer, in conjunction with the duties set forth in the Theta Rho Assembly Ritual to assist the Committee on Registration and Mileage and the Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly in paying mileage.

(5) Appointive Officers. The duties of the Appointive Officers, in conjunction with the duties set forth in the Theta Rho Assembly Ritual shall be as follows:


(a) Warden and Conductor. Receive the password(s); prepare the room before the session is called to order; and assist the President in any way she may require.

(b) Marshal: Present and retire the colors and assist in the opening and closing ceremonies as required.

(c) Chaplain. Plan and conduct the devotional exercises during the sessions; plan and conduct the Memorial Service during Theta Rho Assembly, and plan and conduct a devotional service at the annual Youth Camp Weekend.

(d) Inside Guardian. Have charge of the Inner Door, under the direction of the Vice President and admit no one until directed to do so by the Vice President.

(e) Outside Guardian. Have charge of the Outer Door, and report to the Inside Guardian, the presence of members without the passwords, visitors from other jurisdictions, visiting officials and other honorary members; when in doubt she shall report all such cases to the Inside Guardian.

(f) Right and Left Supporters of the President. Assist the President with council and advice. (g) Right and Left Supporters of the Vice President. Assist the Vice President with council

and advice. (h) Musician. preside at the instrument during the session as required. (i) Banner Bearer. Present and retire the Theta Rho Banner and assist in opening and closing

ceremonies as required. (6) Junior Past President. The Junior Past President shall:

(a) prepare the Assembly for the entrance of the officers prior to the opening ceremony: and, (b) plan and co-ordinate the program for Youth Night at the annual sessions of Grand Lodge

and Rebekah Assembly, with the Junior Past Grand Ruler and the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Chairman of the California Joint Youth Committee, when invited to present such a program by the Grand Master and Rebekah Assembly President.

G. Committees. (1) Regular Assembly Committees. There shall be appointed at each annual session the

following regular committees from the members present. The Chairman of each regular Committee must be a Representative.

(a) Credentials (b) Good Fellowship (c) Examining Committee (d) Legislation (e) Press (f) Registration and Mileage (g) State of the Order (h) Youth Camp

(2) Credentials. The Credentials Committee shall consist of seven members, who shall examine and report on the Credentials and Certificates of all Representatives, Members, and Visitors.

(3) Examining Committee. The Examining Committee shall consist of the Vice President, the Marshal and an Elected Representative, who shall examine all Visitors from other Jurisdictions and report thereon. A member of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee shall also be appointed to serve as an ex-officio Member and Advisor of the Committee.

(4) Good Fellowship. The Good Fellowship Committee shall consist of a State Chairman and a Regional Chairman from each half of each region of the State, as defined by Grand Lodge, where a Theta Rho Girls' Club exists. The committee shall promote good fellowship among the clubs and assist the President with her project. The State Chairman shall plan


activities for Good Fellowship Night at Theta Rho Assembly, with the assistance of her Regional Chairmen, the Grand Junior Lodge Good Fellowship Committee and the California Joint Youth Committee.

(5) Legislation. The Committee on Legislation shall consist of three members, who shall examine and report on all proposed amendments to the Code of California, Constitution(s), Laws and Standing Rules, governing the Theta Rho Assembly or Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, which may originate in the Assembly.

(6) Press. The Press Committee shall consist of a Press Chairman and an Assistant Press Chairman, whose duties shall be to contact all clubs in this jurisdiction with a program designed to enhance the publicity efforts, community recognition of each club and prepare a scrap book for the President.

(7) Registration and Mileage. The Registration and Mileage Committee shall consist of the Treasurer and six members, who shall register all Representatives, Visitors, Advisors and Rebekahs and report thereon. The Committee shall assist the Secretary and Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly in paying mileage.

(8) State of the Order. The State of the Order Committee shall consist of one member who shall examine reports appertaining to Theta Rho and such other matters as may be required and report thereon.

(9) Committee on Joint Bodies Planning. The President and Vice President shall be the Theta Rho representatives on the Joint Bodies Planning Committee by virtue of office, and shall perform such duties as are called for by the by-laws of said committee.

(10) Youth Camp. The Youth Camp Committee shall consist of one member whose duty shall be to attend the planning meetings of the Board of Directors of the California Odd Fellow-Rebekah Youth Camp for the Annual Youth Camp Weekend. She will plan the activities for the Annual Youth Camp Weekend with the Grand Junior Lodge counter-part and the California Joint Youth Committee. When attending the meetings she shall receive, from the funds of the Theta Rho Assembly, mileage at the current rate established at each Annual Session, one way from the location of her Club.

(11) Special Committees. Special committees, when authorized, may be appointed from the members present, with preference being given to Elected Representatives; provided however, the President may, under special circumstances, appoint a member not in attendance, upon approval of the Chairman of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

(12) Reimbursement of Expense. Regular and Special Committees may be granted certain allowances or reimbursements, not to exceed actual expense incurred by such Committee(s), at such rate as the Assembly shall establish in advance by resolution of Standing Rule.

H. Theta Rho Assembly Representatives. (1) Elected Representatives, Eligibility. An elected Representative to the Theta Rho Assembly

shall be a Past Club President or current Elective Club Officer, or a current Theta Rho Assembly Officer, or Committee Chairman, excepting however, a Dispensation may be granted to elect a Representative(s) who is not otherwise qualified, if the full complement of qualified Representatives cannot attend.

(2) Alternate Representatives. The Club may at the same time also elect an Alternate Representative to attend Theta Rho Assembly and serve as a Representative if a regular Elected Representative is unable to serve.

(3) Assembly Officer, and/or Committee Chairman as a Representative. When a Club has a Theta Rho Assembly Officer and/or Committee Chairman among its members, the Clubs' representation shall be the Assembly Officer and/or Committee Chairman and other Elected Representatives not to exceed four, providing such Assembly Officer and/or Committee Chairman has attended at least two- thirds of the regularly scheduled Club


meetings during the Assembly term, except as provided below, and otherwise merits such recognition.

(4) Assembly Officer At School. An officer of the Theta Rho Assembly attending a college, university or vocational school, away from the area where she holds legal residence, shall be recognized as having met the attendance requirements, in paragraph (2) above, if she has continued to discharge the duties of her Assembly office.

(5) President and Vice President, Merit. The President and/or Vice President of the Theta Rho Assembly shall be recognized as having met the requirements of paragraph (2) above, if absence from meetings is necessitated by attending to official Assembly business.

(6) Past Elective Officers, Representatives-at-Large. Past Elective officers of the Theta Rho Assembly, who quality as active members may attend the Sessions as Representatives-at-Large. The number of Elected Representatives, to which a Club is entitled, shall in no way be reduced, when it has among its membership one or more Representatives-at-Large.

I. Funds and Expenditures. (1) Revenues, Deposit Of. All monies received from any source shall be sent to the Secretary of

the Rebekah Assembly, who shall place same in the proper Theta Rho Assembly account. (2) Accounting and Disbursement. Theta Rho Assembly Funds shall be accounted for and

disbursed by the Secretary and Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly, as authorized by the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

(3) Transfer of Funds. Transfer of Theta Rho Assembly Funds from savings to general accounts shall be made on approval of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee.

(4) Expenses of Representatives, Advisors. The traveling expense of one Elected Representative and the Club Advisor, or her duly authorized representative, from each Club in attendance at the Annual Session shall be paid, from Theta Rho Assembly funds, at the current rate established at each Annual Session. Expense shall be calculated, one way from the city of the Club which they represent, and shall be paid by check payable to the Club.

(5) Compensation for travel allowance, Officers. Travel allowances paid to the President, and other Officers of the Theta Rho Assembly entitled to a travel allowance, by the Rebekah Assembly, or Theta Rho Assembly, will be paid by Voucher only, up to the maximum allowed by the budget. These vouchers may be submitted monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

J. Offenses And Penalties. (1) Neglect Or Misconduct. Any officer or member of the Theta Rho Assembly may be

removed from office and/or membership in the Theta Rho Assembly for misconduct or neglect of duty. However, such officer or member shall be entitled to a fair trial upon charges, prior to such removal, in accordance with the laws of the Order.

(2) Appeal. Any officer or member of the Theta Rho Assembly may exercise the right of appeal from judgment, action, or omission, as guaranteed by the laws of the Order.

CONSTITUTION FOR THETA RHO CLUBS XIX – 1

CHAPTER XIX CONSTITUTION

FOR THETA RHO GIRLS' CLUBS

OF CALIFORNIA Independent Order of Odd Fellows

under the Jurisdiction of the Rebekah

Assembly of California, I.O.O.F. PREAMBLE

For the purpose of effecting uniformity in administration of the privileges, honors and benefits of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs membership in this jurisdiction, the Theta Rho Assembly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California does ordain, subject to the approval of the Rebekah Assembly, ·the following Constitution of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs of California.

ARTICLE I. OFFICIAL CREED

We, the Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, strive for Friendship, Love and Truth, through improving our character and citizenship. In understanding others, we achieve our goal and motto:

"HAPPINESS THROUGH SERVICE" ARTICLE II.

AUTHORITY, OBJECTS AND PURPOSES Sec. 1. Authority.

A. The authority of the Theta Rho Girls' Clubs of/in the Jurisdiction of California is derived from the Rebekah Assembly, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), to which it shall be accountable.

(1) The rituals, constitution, laws and decisions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the laws and decisions of the Rebekah Assembly of California are the laws of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs and all persons by becoming or continuing as members of a Theta Rho Girls' Clubs consent and agree to acquaint themselves fully and abide by the same.

(2) A Theta Rho Girls' Club possesses the right to enact any law not contravening the customs and usages of the Order, not altering the work of the Order or any of the degree belonging thereto, not in conflicting with the laws of the land, and do all such other acts that promote the interest of the Order, or that appertain thereto by ancient usage or custom.

B. Issuance of Charter. A Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be organized upon receipt of signed petition for a charter by five (5) or more members of the Theta Rho Degree or fifteen (15) persons qualified to become members, no more than two-fifths (2/5) of these shall be associate members.

(1) Petitions for charter shall be on forms supplied by the Rebekah Assembly Secretary. (2) The petition for the charter shall be sent to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary who shall make

a copy for the permanent file and then forward the petition to the Rebekah Assembly Executive Committee. If satisfied, the Rebekah Assembly Committee may issue the charter or reserve action and present it to the Rebekah Assembly in regular session. The application shall be accompanied by a fee set by the Rebekah Assembly, which shall be refunded if the petition is not granted.

C. The Charter issued by the Rebekah Assembly shall be undisturbed and may not be altered or amended without the consent of the Rebekah Assembly, except that a photocopy of the Charter may be used, be at least a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8 1/2 '' x 11"), a copy of which must be furnished to the Rebekah Assembly for its archives.

XIX – 2 CONSTITUTION FOR THETA RHO CLUBS

D. Five (5) Members of the Theta Rho Degree in good standing, of which two-fifths (2/5) may be associate members, shall be required to keep the Club charter active.

Sec. 2. Objects A. To promote the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth; and the sentiment that Happiness is

obtained through Service. B. To follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Sec. 3. Purpose A. To have general supervision over Theta Rho Odd Fellowship in its area. B. To make recommendations to the Theta Rho Assembly for legislation and such other matters

that will improve the Order. ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. Membership in a Club shall be divided into the following categories: Active, 2) Graduate, 3) Life, 4) Senior Sister, and 5) Honorary, as defined in Chapter III – 2, Section 1 (I), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and Chapter XX – 1, Section 1 (C) (3), of this Code.

Sec. 2. All single females between the age of eight and eighteen years who are of good moral character, believe in the Supreme Being, and have never been affiliated with a Theta Rho Girls' Club are eligible to apply for active membership in a club by initiation.

Sec. 3. A Theta Rho Girls' Club member, meeting the requirements of Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, may transfer her membership into a Club in the manner set forth in Chapter III – 4, Section 3 (A) (2), of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 4. A member of a Theta Rho Girls' Club who has established residence within this jurisdiction may apply for Associate Membership in a Club, upon proof of membership in good standing in her home Club. Associate Membership shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter III – 9, Section 12, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 5. Every applicant for membership in a Theta Rho Girls' Club by deposit of card or certificate shall be free of encumbrances or indebtedness to another Theta Rho Girls' Club.

Sec. 6. Reinstatement of suspended members of a Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be effected in the manner prescribed in Chapter III – 4, Section 4, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 7. Any member in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge may attend any meeting of a Theta Rho Girls' Club upon presentation of an Official Rebekah Certificate showing dues paid through current date.

Sec. 8. The Club shall keep a permanent record in book form of all persons admitted to membership, setting forth all information regarding admittance to the Club, honors obtained in the Order and the termination of membership.


Sec. 1. Representative. A Theta Rho club in good standing, at its first meeting in November shall elect Representatives as specified in the Constitution of Theta Rho Assembly of California, Chapter XVII – 2, Article V, of this Code.

Sec. 2. The Representatives shall, within thirty (30) days from the date of adjournment of the regular session of the Theta Rho Assembly, present a written report as to the proceedings of the Theta Rho Assembly, pointing out specifically all changes in the laws of the Order and giving the decisions of the President which has been approved, and such other matters as will be of interest to their respective clubs.

Sec. 3. If a Representative or Representative-elect becomes disqualified, it shall be the duty of the Club to immediately notify the Rebekah Assembly Secretary.


ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Sec. 1. Elective Officers. A. The elective officers of a Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be those specified in Theta Rho Girls'

Club Ritual- e.g.: President, Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. (1) The By-laws shall state the term of office.

B. Nominations for Elective Officers shall take place at the last meeting in February and August, unless the by-laws of the Club provide for a term. of one year when nominations shall take place at the last meeting in February.

C. Officers of a Club shall be elected at the first meeting in March and September of each year unless the by-laws of a Club provide for a term of one year when the election shall take place at the first meeting in March.

(1) Balloting. All elections shall be by written ballot, unless there be but one nominee, in which event the Club may vote to elect by acclimation. A majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for election. Should no candidate receive a majority on the first ballot, the candidate having the least number of votes shall be dropped at the next ballot, and so on until a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast.

D. Vacancies in Office shall be filled in the manner prescribed in Chapter XX – 1, Section 1 (D), of this Code.

Sec. 2. Appointive Officers. A. The appointive officers of the Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be those officers noted in the Theta

Rho Girls' Club Ritual- e.g.: Chaplain, Warden, Conductor, Marshal, Right Support of the President, Left Support of the President, First Herald, Second Herald, Third Herald, Fourth Herald, Right Supporter of the Vice President and Left Supporter of the Vice President, Inside Guardian, and Outside Guardian.

(1) The Theta Rho Girls' Club may provide in its By-laws for additional appointed officers and designate their duties.

Sec. 3. Advisory Officers and Assistant Advisory Officers. The Youth Committee shall appoint one (1) Advisory Officer and any number of Assistant Advisory Officers as deemed proper for each Theta Rho Girls' Club. A Theta Rho Girls' Club has the right to recommend its own Advisory Officer at its first meeting in December. If a recommendation is not made, the Youth Committee shall request recommendations from the sponsoring lodge and make a selection.

A. The Advisory Officer assisted and advised by the Assistant Advisory Officers, shall have general supervision over a club, attend meetings, and see that the laws of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge, the Rebekah Assembly, and the Theta Rho Assembly, governing Theta Rho Girls' Clubs are adhered to. They shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year to coincide with the fiscal term of the Theta Rho Girls' Club.

B. The minimum age of the Advisory Officer shall be twenty-one (21) years, and for an Assistant Advisory Officer, twenty (20) years. They shall be in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge.

ARTICLE VI. TERMS AND MEETINGS

Sec. 1. The regular term of a Club shall be for six months- one to commence in April, and one to commence in October; unless the by-laws provide for a term of one year when such term shall commence in April. All terms shall end on the day the succeeding one commences.

Sec. 2. A Club shall hold regular meetings at least once a month, on such day(s), at such time and place, as the by-laws so provide. However, if the bylaws provide for a term of one year, a Club may dispense with regular meetings for a period not to exceed two months in a calendar year.

Sec. 3. A Club may hold occasional meetings in places and at times other than specified by its by-laws, when a dispensation for such a meeting has been granted.


Sec. 4. A Club, may, upon notification of all active members, hold special meetings, during which no business shall be transacted other than that for which the meeting was called. Applications for membership shall not be received or balloted upon or elections held at special meetings.

Sec. 5. Five active members, including one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In addition to a quorum, an advisor or assistant advisor shall ,be present during the transaction of any business. If the Club, during any meeting, is left without a quorum or advisor, no business shall be transacted and the presiding officer shall declare the club closed without ceremony.

Sec. 6. A Club shall extend an official invitation to its sponsoring Rebekah Lodge(s) once each term, reminding the members of their right and privilege to attend all Theta Rho Girls' Club meetings.

ARTICLE VII. FEES AND DUES

Sec. 1. The fees for admission to membership in a Club by initiation shall be prescribed in the by-laws and shall not be less than three dollars for active members or Senior Sisters.

Sec. 2. The Fee for admission as an associate member shall be one dollar. Sec. 3. There shall be no fee for admission to membership in a Club by deposit of an unexpired

withdrawal or transfer certificate. Sec. 4. The fee for admission by reinstatement, deposit of an expired Withdrawal Card or Dismissal

Certificate shall be the amount equal to one year's dues. Sec. 5. The annual dues for active members and Senior Sisters of Club shall be prescribed in the by-

laws and shall not be less than the expense of per capita dues and fraternal obligations, payable in advance. Should the expenses and current liabilities for any year be in excess of the income and current assets, on hand, to an extent that it might tend to impair the financial standing of the Club, an assessment shall be levied by the Club on all contributing members to meet the deficiency.

Sec. 6. The annual dues for a Life member of a Club shall be as prescribed in the by-laws for an active member until she reaches the age of twenty-one years, and thereafter shall be as prescribed in the by-laws for a Senior Sister.

Sec. 7. The granting of cards and certificates by a Club shall be governed by the applicable sections in Chapter XXII – 16, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and fees to be prescribed in the Club by-laws.

Sec. 8. Non Payment of fees and dues. A. Neglect or refusal to pay dues or legally imposed assessments is an offense against a Club and

Order. B. The penalty for non-payment of dues or demands of a Club shall be suspension as prescribed in

Chapter III – 4, Section 4, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, and shall be effected as provided in Chapter V – 20, Section 2 (G), of this Code.

ARTICLE VIII. REVENUES, RETURNS AND ASSETS

Sec. 1. Revenues A. Revenues shall be from per capita dues, assessments adopted in regular meetings, profit from

the sale of supplies, investment income, devises and bequest and income from any lawful source.

B. The Theta Rho Girls' Club shall collect sufficient per capita dues to pay the expenses and fraternal obligations.

Sec. 2. Returns A. The officers of a Club shall make when requested and in the form required, such returns

demanded by the Sovereign Grand Lodge and the Rebekah Assembly of California.


B. The Club shall NOT sell or distribute for any purpose outside the Fraternity, any of the members rosters, mailing lists, including personal information held by the Club to any person or persons, institutions or agencies for sales promotions, or for other purposes within or without the Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, except with the expressed written permission of the member.

Sec. 3. Assets A. The Club shall have control of its financial affairs and its funds, so long as it acts in accordance

with the Constitution and the Laws of the Order. It may use its income for any purpose which is for the Good of the Order and which will exemplify the broad spirit of Odd Fellowship, unless expressly restricted by the laws and mandate of The Sovereign Grand Lodge or the Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

B. All funds of the Club, from whatever source derived, are trust funds and are to be accounted for and used in accordance with the Laws of the Order. All monies shall be deposited in the name of the Club in a chartered and insured bank or savings institution. All investments shall be in the name of the Club and in such securities as would be approved for investment of trust funds. The Rebekah Assembly has a reversionary interest in all funds and investments and any division among members or any improper distribution is illegal and void.

C. Each account shall require at least four signatures on file which shall be Club Advisory Officers or Youth Service Committee Members; two signatures shall be Club Advisory Officers.

D. Two signatures shall be required for the withdrawal from any bank or investment account. One signature shall be that of an Advisory Officer.

E. Warrants shall be drawn and checks issued for all monies disbursed. F. The Club shall keep sufficient financial records to show at any time the accounts of its

members, its receipts and disbursements, all investments of its funds and other effects. The records and accounts shall be audited by qualified members within thirty days after the end of the term. The records shall conform to all requirements prescribed by the Rebekah Assembly.

G. The Club may create special funds by voluntary contributions or the holding of entertainment or bazaars where no part of the expense is chargeable to the regular funds of the Club and to use such funds for any purpose authorized by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

H. No funds of the Club shall be invested or used in the purchase, construction or alteration of a building unless the plans, specifications and full particulars of financing are submitted to and receive the approval of the Rebekah Assembly. The Club shall not incur any debt or obligation nor enter into any contract for such purpose without the prior approval of the said Rebekah Assembly. This shall not apply to improvements or alterations the cost of which shall not exceed $1,000.00.

I. The Club shall keep any buildings or personal property owned by it protected by insurance to cover loss by catastrophic disaster in an amount sufficient to protect it from serious loss.

J. The Rebekah Assembly must grant approval prior to the Theta Rho Girls' Club disposing of property and assets. In the event the Theta Rho Girls' Club ceases to exist, all property and assets revert to the Rebekah Assembly.

K. Life Membership. Refer to Chapter III – 9, Section 11, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code. ARTICLE IX.

RULES AND PRACTICES Sec. 1. Voting.

A. Method. The methods of voting shall be by the voting sign, written ballot, the ballot box, and acclamation.


B. Required to Vote. Every qualified member present is required to vote on all questions unless excused by the Club.

C. Illegal Vote. An illegal vote shall not invalidate the ballot unless it changes the result. In that event, a new ballot shall be taken.

D. Conflict of Interest. A member shall not be eligible to vote on any matter relating to the fiscal affairs of the club in which the member has personal interest.

Sec. 2. Offenses and Penalties A. Any member of a Club charged with an offense against the Order as defined by The Sovereign

Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and/or Code of California Odd Fellow Laws shall be subject to the penalties and procedures in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws and/or Code of California Odd Fellow Laws.

B. All members are prohibited from resorting to civil courts prior to exhausting the tribunals of the Order, concerning the construction of the laws of the Order, matters pertaining to its affairs or directives or orders.

C. All Clubs are prohibited from resorting to civil courts prior to exhausting the tribunals of the Order, concerning the construction of the laws of the Order, matters pertaining to its affairs or directives or orders.

Sec. 3. Rituals A. Officers Accounting for Rituals. Immediately prior to the closing ceremony of each regular club

meeting, this club shall require the Secretary to report in open club on the rituals in the possession of the Secretary giving the number of each ritual, also on the rituals loaned to members give the name of the member and the number of the ritual in such member's possession. The Secretary shall be required to record such report in the minutes of the club meeting.

B. Return of Rituals Loaned. Rituals loaned to members must be returned to the Secretary in the club hall within a period of thirty (30) days from the date the ritual was received. The Secretary shall report such return in open club and record it in the minutes of the club meeting. A fine equal to the replacement cost shall be assessed against any member failing to return a ritual as above provided unless for a good and sufficient reason satisfactory to a majority of the members present, the member shall be relieved from the payment of such fine.

C. Reprints and Penalties. In its Semi-annual Report to the Rebekah Assembly, each club will account for the rituals by the numbers with which they are charged to it. In event of a ritual being lost the club shall be assessed a fine equal to the replacement cost, payable immediately to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary to be credited into the funds of the Rebekah Assembly.

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS AND INTERPRETATIONS.

Sec. 1. Amendments: A. A proposition to amend this Constitution must be approved by the Theta Rho Girls' Club, after

having been read at three (3) consecutive meetings. The amendment shall be submitted, in duplicate, to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary in writing. At the next annual session of the Rebekah Assembly, the Committee on Legislation shall report on the Amendment. A vote shall then be taken of the voting members of the Rebekah Assembly with an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the voting members present necessary for passage. The amendment shall not be in force until approved by the Rebekah Assembly.

Sec. 2. Interpretations A. When any doubt arises as to the true meaning of these Articles, it shall be determined by the

Theta Rho Assembly, subject to advice and review by Rebekah Assembly.


ARTICLE XI. BY-LAWS Sec. 1. A Club shall adopt by-laws as required by the laws of the Order. Sec. 2. By-laws shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in the manner set forth in Chapter XIX – 5,

Article IX, Section 1, of this Code.

THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUBS XX – 1

CHAPTER XX THETA RHO GIRLS' CLUBS

Section. 1. Organization. A. Authorization.

(1) Rebekah Authority. The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California, acting pursuant to authority granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, grants and delegates to the Rebekah Assembly of California, power and authority, subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge, to encourage and promote the formation of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in this jurisdiction, and upon legal institution of said club(s), to sponsor, support, maintain, perpetuate, and otherwise administer and regulate the affairs of such girls' clubs established under the laws of this Order.

(2) Absence Of Specific Law. Laws applicable to Rebekah Lodges shall apply to any question concerning Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, not specifically addressed in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, the Theta Rho Girls' Clubs Constitution or this Chapter.

B. Institution. (1) Charter. Upon receipt of the recommendation of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee,

the Grand Master shall have authority to issue a Theta Rho Girls' Club Charter to a group of girls meeting the minimum requirements for institution of such a club.

(2) Instituting Officer. The Grand Master or Rebekah Assembly President may designate the instituting officer of each new Theta Rho Girls' Club.

C. Membership. (1) Applications, Form Of. Applications for membership as active member or Senior Sisters

shall be on a form similar to applications for membership in a Rebekah Lodge. . (2) Applications, Action On. Applications for membership shall be submitted and acted on in

the same manner as an application for membership in a Rebekah Lodge. (3) Honorary Members Defined. All Elective Officers of the Sovereign Grand lodge,

International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly of California, members of the Sovereign Grand Lodge I.A.RA. Youth Committee, members of the California Joint Youth Committee, during their term of service, and mother of members shall be Official Honorary Members of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in this jurisdiction. The Noble Grand(s) of the sponsoring Rebekah Lodge(s) are Official Honorary Members of the sponsored Club.

(4) Good Standing Required. Life, Graduate and Senior Sister members of a Theta Rho Girls' Club must maintain good standing in a Rebekah Lodge as a condition of Theta Rho membership.

D. Elective And Appointive Officers. (1) President Shall Appoint. The President shall appoint all Appointive Officers, except the

Right and Left Supporters of the Vice President, who shall be appointed by the Vice President.

(2) Officer When Twenty-one Years. Any current installed officer who turns twenty-one while in office shall be considered an active member and may continue in such office until the end of the term.

(3) Officer and Marriage. A married active member cannot be installed into an office. Such member may pro tern in an office and assist in any other way as the Club may desire. A Club officer, when married during her term of office, shall be allowed to remain in office until the end of the term for which she was installed.

(4) Examination Of Officers Required. The President-elect and Vice President- elect shall recite, to the Area member of the Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee or her duly

XX – 2 THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUBS

authorized representative prior to installation, the opening and closing ceremonies and the balloting charge.

E. Returns. (1) Reports

(a) Term Reports. (b) At the end of each term, an Auditing Committee appointed by the Club President, and a

qualified Senior Sister appointed by the Advisor, shall prepare the semi-annual or annual report which shall be placed in the hands of the Area Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee member, not later that the last meeting of the month following the end of the reported period. The Auditing Committee may also examine and audit the books at other reasonable times they deem expedient or when ordered by the Club President or the Advisor.

(c) As soon as possible after completion, the Term Report shall be review by a committee of senior members appointed by the presiding officer(s) of the sponsoring unit(s).

(2) Per Capita Dues and Insurance Shall Accompany. The Semi-Annual Report shall be accompanied by check in payment of the required per capita dues and insurance premium.

(3) Committee Member Shall Submit. The Area Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee member shall submit to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly:

(a) the Semi-Annual (June 30th) Report, no later than July 31st. (b) the Annual (December 31st) Report, no later than January 31st.

(4) Club Good Standing. A Club must have its reports current and per capita dues and insurance paid and in the Rebekah Assembly Office no later than January 31st of each year, to remain in good standing and be eligible to seat Representatives at Theta Rho Assembly.

F. Funds and Property. (1) Use Of. The funds of each Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be devoted to the payment of

legitimate club expenses. (2) Shall Be Deposited. All monies received shall be deposited in a chartered and insured bank

or savings institution. The account(s) shall be in the name of the Club. (3) Signatures Required. Each account shall require at least four signatures on file; two of

which shall be the Club President and Treasurer and two of which shall be club advisory officers.

(4) Withdrawal. Two signatures shall be required for the withdrawal of club funds from any checking or savings account. One signature shall be that of the President or Treasurer and the other signature shall be that of an advisory officer.

(5) Disbursements. Warrants shall be drawn and checks issued for all monies disbursed. (6) Funds When Charter Arrested. The funds of a Theta Rho Girls' Club whose Charter has

been arrested shall be placed in a custodial savings account by the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly. If, at the end of three years, the club has not been reactivated, said funds, plus accrued interest, shall be transferred to a Theta Rho Assembly savings account(s) earmarked, Theta Rho Assembly Restricted Fund, for special Theta Rho Assembly projects designated at time of need by presentation and adoption by the Theta Rho Assembly.

(7) Property When Defunct. The property and funds of a defunct Club shall be held in trust and kept separate and apart from the property of the Rebekah Assembly. The property and funds shall be restored and returned if and when such club is reactivated; provided however, if a Club is not reactivated within three years, the property and funds shall revert to, and become the property of, the Theta Rho Assembly.

THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUBS XX – 3

G. Offenses. (1) Removal. Any officer or member may be removed from office or membership in a Theta

Rho Girls' Club for misconduct or neglect of duty, upon fair trial in accordance with the laws of the Order.

H. Advisory Officers and Assistant Advisory Officers. The Youth Committee shall appoint one (1) Advisory Officer and any number of Assistant Advisory Officers as deemed proper for each Theta Rho Girls' Club. A Theta Rho Girls' Club has the right to recommend its own Advisory Officer and Assistant Advisory Officers. If a recommendation is not made, the Youth Committee shall request recommendations from the sponsoring Lodge and make a decision.

(1) The Advisory Officer, assisted and advised by the Assistant Advisory Officers, shall have general supervision over a Club, attend meetings, and see that the Laws of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge, and the Theta Rho Assembly, governing Theta Rho Girls' Clubs are adhered to. They shall be appointed for a term of one ( 1) year to coincide with the term of the Theta Rho Girls' Club.

(2) The minimum age of the Advisory Officers shall be twenty-one (21) years, and for an Assistant Advisory Officer, twenty (20) years. They shall be in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge.

XX – 4 THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUBS

THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUB BY-LAWS XXI – 1

CHAPTER XXI BY-LAWS

FOR THETA RHO GIRLS' CLUB

OF CALIFORNIA Independent Order of Odd Fellows under the Jurisdiction of the Rebekah Assembly of

California, I.O.O.F. ARTICLE I.

NAME Sec. 1. The name, style and title of this Theta Rho Girls' Club shall be __________Theta Rho Girls'

Club No.__________ Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) __________ CA and shall be hereafter governed by the following laws.

ARTICLE II. OBJECTS, PURPOSES AND CREED

Sec. 1. The Object and purposes of this Theta Rho Girls' Club are to promote the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth; and the sentiment that Happiness is obtained through Service; and to follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Sec. 2. These purposes are expressed in the following official creed of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs: Sec. 3. We, the theta Rho Girls' Clubs, strive for Friendship, Love and Truth, through improving our

character and citizenship. In understanding others, we achieve our goal and model: Sec. 4. Happiness through Service.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. The membership of this club, shall be as provided for in the Constitution for Theta Rho Girls' Clubs of California, Chapter XIX – 2, Article III, of this Code.


Sec. 1. Representative. This club at its first meeting in November shall elect Representatives as specified in the Constitution of Theta Rho. Assembly of California, Chapter XVII – 2, Article V, of this Code.

Sec. 2. The Representatives shall, within thirty (30) days from the date of adjournment of the regular session of the Theta Rho Assembly, present a written report as to the proceedings of the Theta Rho Assembly, pointing out specifically all changes in the laws of the Order and giving the decisions of the President which has been approved, and such other matters as will be of interest in their respective clubs.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. Officers A. Elective. The elective officers of this club are: President, Vice President, Secretary, (Financial

Secretary), and Treasurer. B. Appointive. The appointive officers of this club are Chaplain, Warden, Conductor, Marshal,

Right and Left Supporters of the President, Musician, Right and Left Supporters of the Vice President, Inside Guardian, and Outside Guardian, First Herald, Second Herald, Third Herald, Fourth Herald.

C. Pro Tem. In the absence of regular officers, the presiding officer may appoint pro tern officers. D. Duties. The duties of officers of this Club are prescribed by the Ritual, the California Code of

Odd Fellow Laws and the Sovereign Grand Lodge of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

E. Eligibility. Only a Theta Rho Degree member in good standing in this Club may hold office.

XXI – 2 THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUB BY-LAWS

F. Qualifications. (1) Elective and Appointive. All officers shall commit to memory the several charges in the

opening and closing ceremonies of their respective offices and pass examination on this qualification before installation.

(2) President and Vice President. To be eligible to the office of President, one must have served in the office of Vice President. To be eligible to the office of Vice President, a member must have served a term in each of two different offices of a theta Rho Girls' Club. In the event there are no qualified members to hold either office, the club may elect any member to either office. A dispensation must be obtained from the Rebekah Assembly President before installation.

Sec. 2. Committees. The President shall appoint, on the night of installation, the following committees:

A. Finance. The Committee on Finance shall consist of three (3) members and an Advisory Officer. They shall audit and inspect the accounts, books, securities, funds, and other property in the hands of the Treasurer, and the books and reports of the Secretaries, and of other officers and committees charged with the receipt and expenditure of money. For this purpose they shall fix a time and place to meet the Secretaries and Treasurer, after the last regular meeting in each semiannual term, and shall report in writing at the first regular meeting in the next term upon duplicate blanks as approved by the Rebekah Assembly and furnished by the Rebekah Assembly, one copy of which shall be mailed to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary, the other retained by the Club. They shall also examine all other financial matters referred to them, and report thereon to the Club as soon as practicable. The Treasurer, the Secretary, the Financial Secretary, nor any member of the Trustees shall be a member of the Finance Committee.

B. Membership. The Committee on Membership shall consist of up to (3) members and an Advisory Officer. It shall be the duty of this committee, in conjunction with the President, to promote plans for securing new members for the Club. They shall promote all youth activities including but not limited to, sponsorship of athletic teams, scholarships and club participation in the United Nations Educational Pilgrimage for Youth (UNP). They shall work with the Financial Secretary in promoting among the members the habit and practice of paying their dues promptly in advance. This Committee shall submit a report to the Club at the end of their respective term.

C. Press. This Committee on Press shall consist of up to three (3) members who are charged with promoting club awareness in the community which may include such items as newspaper articles and sponsorship or participation of community activities. This Committee shall submit a report to the Club at the end of their respective term.

D. Instruction. (Optional) The Committee on Instruction shall consist of up to three (3) members who are charged with scheduling training for members of the Club to include, but not limited to, schools of instruction, mentoring of new members, coordinating efforts with the Rebekah Assembly Membership Committee. This Committee shall submit a report to the Club at the end of their respective term.

E. Visiting. (Optional The Committee on Visiting shall consist of up to three (3) members, one of whom shall be the President. They shall keep themselves informed at all times as to the condition of a member who has been reported ill. This Committee shall submit a report to the Club at the end of their respective term.

F. Other Committees as Authorized by the Club. The President may appoint such other committees deemed necessary for the operation of the Club.

THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUB BY-LAWS XXI – 3

ARTICLE VI. TERMS, MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

Sec. 1. The term of this Club shall be 6 months, commencing in April and October. or

Sec. 1. The term of this Club shall be 12 months, commencing in April. Sec. 2. Regular Meeting. This Club shall meet on the ___________ (and) the __________ ; if

meeting twice a month) of each month at __________ pm at __________ (address including street, city, state and zip code).

Sec. 3. Special Meetings: The President may call as special meeting of the Theta Rho Girls' Club at any time, or when petitioned by a least seven (7) members of the club. Notice thereof shall be given at least thirty (30) days; stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, and no business shall be transacted except as specified in the notice.

Sec. 4. This Club shall not move from the place of meeting without approval of the Rebekah Assembly. The day and hour of meeting may be fixed and changed only by amendment of these By-laws.

Sec. 5. Five members in good standing in this Club, including one qualified to preside, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In addition to a quorum, an advisor or assistant advisor shall be present during the transaction of any business. Should the Club during its meeting, be left without a quorum or advisor, it shall not transact business and the presiding officer shall close the club without ceremony.

ARTICLE VII. FEES AND DUES

Sec. 5. Every application for membership into this Club shall be accompanied, in full, by all required fees.

Sec. 6. The fee for admission to membership by initiation in this Club shall be ___________ (See Constitution of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, Chapter XIX – 4, Article VII, of this Code.)

Sec. 7. The fee for admission as an associate member, by deposit of withdrawal card or transfer certificate shall be as prescribed in the Constitution of Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, Chapter XIX – 4, Article VII, of this Code.

Sec. 8. The dues for each contributing member, including Associate Members shall be the amount equal to the per capita dues established by the Rebekah Assembly (rounded to the next dollar) plus __________.

Sec. 9. Dues are payable in advance, but at the option of a member may be paid quarterly in advance. ARTICLE VIII.

FUNDS AND PROPERTY Sec. 1. The funds and property of this Club shall be administered according to the Constitution of

Theta Rho Girls' Clubs, Chapter XIX – 4, Article VIII, of this Code. ARTICLE VIII.

RULES AND PRACTICES Sec. 1. Cards and Certificates.

A. This Club shall use only the cards and certificates authorized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge and furnished by the Rebekah Assembly of California. The cards and certificates shall be issued and recognized by the Club in accordance with the provisions of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

Sec. 2. Charter and Effects. A. Should this Club become defunct, surrender its charter (except for purposes of consolidation),

or its charter be declared forfeited, all rights and title of all funds, property and other effects shall become vested in the Rebekah Assembly of California in accordance with the Laws of

XXI – 4 THETA RHO GIRLS’ CLUB BY-LAWS

the Order. It shall be the duty of the last installed officers and the trustees to deliver immediately to the Rebekah Assembly Secretary, or any other person.

ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS

Sec. 1. These By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by the Club after having been read at three (3) consecutive regular meetings, with action taking place at the third meeting. Such changes shall be distributed to the membership at least (30) days prior to the vote. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present is required for passage. Upon passage, the changes shall be submitted to the Rebekah Assembly for approval. Upon approval by the Rebekah Assembly, the amendments shall become effective.

FUNDS, FEES, INCOME, DUES, ASSESSMENTS, BENEFITS XXII – 1

CHAPTER XXII FUNDS, FEES, INCOME, DUES, ASSESSMENTS, BENEFITS

Section. 1. General A. Charter Fees

(1) Amount. The charter fee for units subordinate to the Grand Lodge of California shall be as follows:

(a) Odd Fellow Lodge Thirty dollars (b) Degree Lodge Fifteen dollars (c) Rebekah Lodge Fifteen dollars (d) Junior Lodge Five dollars (e) Theta Rho Girls’ Club Five dollars (f) Zeta Lambda Tau Chapter Five dollars

(2) Fee To Accompany Application. The required charter fee shall accompany each application for a charter.

B. Fees. (1) Certificates. The fee for Transfer, Dismissal and Resignation Certificate shall be $1.00. (2) Withdrawal Cards. The fee for Withdrawal Cards shall not be less than $1.00, as provided

by the By-Laws of the Lodge. (3) Replace Lost Cards. Or Certificates. If necessary, due to loss or destruction, duplicate cards

or certificates shall be issued for a fee of $1.00. (4) Other Cards, Certificates. A Lodge may, by its By-Laws, establish minimum fees for any

other cards or certificates used in keeping with the fraternal purposes and obligations of Odd Fellowship, not restricted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, for which no fee has been established by this Code or The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws.

C. Dues. (1) Volcano Lodge No. 25, Historical Associate Membership. The dues for “Historical

Associate Membership” in Volcano Lodge No. 25 shall be $5.00 per year, payable in advance. The Treasurer is the Grand Treasurer. The Secretary is the Grand Secretary.

(a) To become a member of Volcano Historical Lodge #25. (i) All current Odd Fellows and Rebekahs who live in the Assisted Living (Only) can

transfer from their home lodge and will pay membership dues of $3.00 per year (ii) All those who live in the assisted living facility and have not been members can become

members with a $3.00 application fee and $3.00 membership per year (iii) All those who wish to be regular members and do not live within the Assisted Living

facility (i.e. Independent Living, The Plaza or not on the facility), will pay Per Capita plus $3.00 per year

(2) Members in Military Service. Lodges may remit dues of members while serving in a recognized American Military Unit during a state of war or under conditions of actual armed conflict, and for six months after the cessation of hostilities.

(3) Yreka Lodge No. 19, Cave Degree Associate Membership. The dues for "Cave Degree Associate Membership" in Yreka Lodge No. 19 shall be $5.00 per year, payable in advance. Funds to be maintained in a Cave Fund for Cave Degree oriented expenses

D. Benefits. (1) Shall be Uniform. The amount of any benefit paid, when stipulated in a Lodge By-Laws,

shall be uniform for any beneficial member who is eligible to receive the stipulated benefit. (2) May Limit to Degree. A Lodge may, by its By-Laws specify that stipulated benefits shall be

paid only to Third Degree members or may stipulate lesser benefits to members of the Second, First and/or Initiatory Degree.

(3) Commence After Six Month. Eligibility for stipulated benefits shall commence after six

XXII – 2 FUNDS, FEES, INCOME, DUES, ASSESSMENTS, BENEFITS

months membership in the Lodge, provided the member has attained the degree of eligibility specified in the By-Laws.

(4) Must Be In Good Standing. For any member or member's family to be eligible to receive stipulated benefits, such member must be in good standing at the commencement of the disabling illness or injury, or at the time of death. A deceased member must have been in good standing at the time of death for stipulated benefits to be paid upon the death of his widow or child.

(5) Shall Notify Lodge. A member shall notify the Lodge of any disability in order to be considered eligible to received stipulated benefits. Stipulated benefits shall not be paid for any period prior to notification of the Lodge for any disabling illness or injury.

(6) Payments, Lodge May Limit. A Lodge may, by its By-Laws: (a) Specify that benefits shall not be allowed for the first week of a disabling illness and/or injury; (b) Specify that benefits will be paid for who weeks only; (c) Limit the number of weeks illness or injury benefits shall be paid during any one disability or any one calendar year; (d) Stipulate a reduction in benefits after a member has received benefits for a specified number of weeks; (e) Specify a total aggregate amount of illness and/or injury benefits payable to any beneficial member during his membership tenure or lifetime.

(7) Shall Not Be Less Than Dues. Stipulated disability benefits shall not be less than the amount of the member's Lodge dues or other ordinary membership assessments.

(8) Shall Retain Dues. Unless otherwise paid, a Lodge shall retain from benefits paid, the amount of dues and/or assessments necessary to keep the member in good standing.

(9) Home Residents. Disability benefits shall not be paid to any member in residence at the Odd Fellows Home of California.

(10) Suspended Resident of Odd Fellows Home. A resident of the Odd Fellows Home who is suspended from the Home for a limited time, and if taken ill during such time, is entitled to sick benefits, provided that he or she has complied with the By-Laws of the Lodge.

(11) May Not Be Assigned. A benefit is a right personal to a member or his family and/or dependent relatives and shall neither be assigned to others for the payment of debt, nor paid to the legal representative of a member's estate.

(12) Years of Membership. Lodge By-Laws may stipulate an increase in funeral benefits based on longevity of beneficial membership.

(13) When Not Payable. Benefits shall not be paid for any injury, illness or death resulting from the commission of a criminal or immoral act,

(14) May Deduct Burial Cost. When a Lodge has full charge of, and responsibility for, the funeral and burial of a beneficial member, it may deduct all such cost from any stipulated benefit paid.

(15) Payable To Home. When a Lodge shall pay the funeral benefit to the California Odd Fellows Home Funeral Fund when one of its members, entitled to such benefit, has been buried or cremated at the expense of the Home.

Section. 2. Funds of Grand and Component Units. A. Trust Funds.

(1) How Used. The funds and property of a Lodge shall be held exclusively as a Trust Fund, to be devoted to no other purpose than the charitable use of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for expenditures legitimately made for Lodge purposes and the advancement of the Lodge and Order.

(2) Revert To Grand Lodge. No funds, property or proceeds of any sale of Lodge property, or part thereof, shall ever be divided among any members. In case of surrender, forfeiture, suspension or revocation of the Lodge charter, all funds and property of a Lodge of whatever kind shall be immediately surrendered to the Grand Lodge of this jurisdiction or


to its officers or agents properly authorized to receive same. B. Local Components.

(1) Funds In Bank. (a) All property and funds of the Lodge shall be in the name of the Lodge. (b) That all Lodges, Trustees, Cemetery Associations and Hall Associations shall require two

(2) signatures for all the withdrawal of funds from any checking or savings accounts, each account shall require not less than, three signatures on file.

(2) Lodge May Invest. The surplus funds of a Lodge, over and above those necessary to meet the current expenses of a Lodge, shall be invested in real estate, stocks, bonds, securities, savings certificates or fully insured instruments.

(3) Lodge May Loan. A Lodge may loan funds only on fully collateralized first mortgage deeds or fully secured personal property.

(4) May Not Loan To Member. The funds of a Lodge shall not be loaned to any member. (5) Payment Of Expense. The funds of a Lodge exclusive of specific Trust Funds, shall be

devoted to the payment by the Lodge of its: (a) legitimate and proper obligations to the Grand Lodge; (b) fraternal obligations under the laws of the Order, and; (c) lawfully incurred obligations. (d) It is imperative, for the best interests of the Order, that each Lodge promptly honor in full

all of its legitimate obligations. (6) May Use to Advance Odd Fellowship. A Lodge may use such part of its income, in excess

of that necessary to meet its lawful expenses, as it deems fit, to defray such incidental expenses as will help to carry out and exemplify the spirit of Odd Fellowship and advance its interests. Such activities include training of youth, relief of distress within or without the Order, aid of worthy charities and programs of service within the community as may be adopted by the lodge or Order.

(7) Special Or Contingent Funds. A lodge may create special or contingent funds by contribution or by other acceptable money raising activities, where no portion of the expense is chargeable to any regular fund of the Lodge. Such funds may be used for any purpose in keeping with the laws and best interests of the Order.

(8) When applicable. All units must file the required reporting forms (1099's) annually in accordance with IRS and Franchise Tax Board regulations. A copy of each said report to be retained on file. Reimbursements for mileage consistent with IRS regulations or legitimate business expenses where a receipt is provided from a business are exempt from the reporting requirement.

Section. 3. Special Trust Funds. A. Odd Fellows Home Endowment Fund

(1) Creation and Purpose. The Grand Lodge has created, and controls and maintains an endowment fund known as the "Odd Fellows Home Endowment Fund". The income derived from this endowment fund shall be used to assist qualified Odd Fellows, Rebekahs and their spouses in paying rents, expenses and otherwise assisting them in becoming residents of retirement homes owned by the Odd Fellows Home of California, A qualified Odd Fellow or Rebekah shall mean someone who has been a member of the Order for fifteen (15) years.

(2) Administration. (a) Control of the Endowment Fund is placed with the Grand Lodge Board of Directors

Committee on investments and endowments as specified in Chapter III – 14, Section 7 (F) (2), of this Code.


(b) All charges and expenses of every kind incurred in the handling, management or control of the Fund shall be paid from the income thereof.

(c) All interest and cash dividends derived from the Endowment Fund, over and above operating expense, shall be placed in the Odd Fellows Home Operating Fund as soon as it is received.

(d) The Grand Lodge cannot lawfully withdraw, transfer, divert or use any part of the principal or interest of the Endowment Fund for any purpose other than those listed in this Code Subsection.

(e) All funds now and hereafter, placed in the Odd Fellows Home Endowment Fund, other than accrued interest and cash dividends, shall be invested in first class interest bearing or income oriented securities, which shall have been approved by a majority of the Board Committee on investments and endowments, pursuant to investment policy established by the Grand Lodge and administered by the Board of Directors, and as authorized under the laws of the State of California regulating the investment of trust funds.

B. Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund. (1) Creation and Purpose. An endowment fund known as the Rebekah Assembly Endowment

Fund has been created for the purpose of helping to fund the operation of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home of California, at Gilroy.

(2) Administration (a) Fund Board. The control of this Fund is placed with a governing board known as the

Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board. The Board shall consist of three (3) Rebekah Assembly Directors, the Secretary, Treasurer, President, Vice President, Warden and Junior Past President of the Rebekah Assembly.

(b) Meetings of. The Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board shall meet four times a year in January, April, July and October. Such meetings shall be held in the offices of the Rebekah Assembly in Gilroy except when a Special Session of the Rebekah Assembly is held in April and October.

(c) Bonding of Board. The proper bonding of those in control of the assets of the Fund shall be required by the Executive Committee of the Rebekah Assembly

(d) Powers and Duties of Board. (i) The Board, subject to the authority of the Rebekah Assembly, shall have full control and

responsibility for all funds assigned to it for investment, and for the purchase and/or sale of stocks, bonds, or other securities held in trust funds under its custody and control.

(ii) The Board shall have the power of selection of the proper depositories for all cash, securities, and investment instruments belonging to the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund.

(iii) The Board shall engage in services of a qualified investment counselor, not a member of the Board, for advice, and for the purpose of making any or all of the investments and transactions which shall have been approved by the Board; said counselor shall be required to make a complete financial report at each Board Meeting.

(iv) The Board shall establish a proper accounting system so that all cash, securities, real estate, notes, other investment instruments, and assets belonging to the Fund are segregated and kept distinct and separate from any and all other accounts of the Rebekah Assembly.

(v) All transactions made in behalf of the Endowment Funds shall be recorded in detail by the appropriate Board Officer(s).


(vi) The Board shall make a complete report to the Rebekah Assembly at each annual session. Such report shall show all cash on hand, total securities held or acquired, cost of same, and the market value as of December 31st of each year; the result of any real estate operations; a list of notes receivable and the amount of each; a list of all donations and bequests; and, the source of all income generated by the Fund.

(e) Fund Expense. All charges, bonds and expenses arising from the handling, management or control of the Fund, with the exception of mileage of Board Members to stated quarterly meetings shall be included in the annual fee charged by the Rebekah Assembly.

(f) Interest. All interest derived from the Endowment Funds shall be placed in the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home Operating Fund as soon as it is received.

(g) Cannot Transfer, Divert Funds. The Rebekah Assembly cannot lawfully withdraw, transfer, divert or use any part of the principal or interest of the Endowment Fund for any purpose other than those listed in this Code Subsection.

(h) Investment. All funds now or hereafter placed in the Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund, other than accrued interest, shall be invested by the Endowment Fund Board in first class, interest bearing securities, for the purpose of deriving the maximum return on investment in a manner based upon recognized, sound financial practices and consistent with the rules and Funds for Institutions. All purchases and/or sales of Fund assets shall be approved by a majority of the und Board and be in keeping with the laws of the State of California regulating the Investment of Trust Funds.

(3) May Administer Other Funds. The Rebekah Assembly Endowment Fund Board may be empowered to administer such other Trust Funds of the Rebekah Assembly as said Rebekah Assembly shall vote to place in the Board's custody and control. The administration of any Trust Funds in the control of this Board shall be in keeping with all applicable provisions of this Section.

C. The Meadows Fraternal Endowment Fund. (1) Creation and Purpose. The Board of Directors of The Meadows of Napa Valley (California

Odd Fellows Housing of Napa, Inc) established The Meadows Fraternal Endowment Fund in 1997, to assist Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, and their spouses in paying rents, expenses and otherwise assisting them at The Meadows of Napa Valley. Only the interest may be used for the purpose of financially assisting members of the Order, after fifteen (15) years of membership in the Order.

(2) Administration (a) Control of the Meadows Endowment Fund is placed with the Board of Directors of The

Meadows of Napa Valley, subject to approval and concurrence by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors with reference to investments.

(b) All charges and expenses of every kind incurred in the handling, management or control of the Fund shall be paid from the income thereof.

(c) All interest and cash dividends derived from the Meadows Fraternal Endowment Fund, may be retained in a separate account to financially assist Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.

(d) The Directors of The Meadows of Napa Valley or the Grand Lodge Board of Directors cannot lawfully withdraw, transfer, divert or use any part of the principal or interest of The Meadows Fraternal Endowment Fund for any purpose other than those listed in this Code Subsection.

(e) All fund now and hereafter, placed in The Meadows Fraternal Endowment Fund, other that accrued interest and cash dividends, shall be invested in first class bearing or income oriented securities or bank accounts, which shall have been approved and administered by a majority of the Directors of The Meadows of Napa Valley and the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, and as authorized under laws of the State of California regulating the investment of trust funds.


D. Higher Education Fund. (1) Fund Established. The Grand Lodge has established a Grant fund, known as the Higher

Education Fund, to be used in assisting with the education of the children or grand-children of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs at a vocational, technical, college, university or graduate school level.

(2) Eligibility Preference. Children of Odd Fellows or Rebekahs shall be given first preference. (a) Qualifications. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0(B) or better. Must

show proof that they are registered within a vocational, technical, college, university or graduate school level.

(b) Second preference. Continued education for adults (If funds allow). (i) Qualifications. Must show certificate of completion from the course.

(3) Administration. The Higher Education Fund is an endowment fund administered by the Finance Committee, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge as follows:

(a) the principle amount of the Fund shall be invested by the Grand Treasurer, as directed by the Finance Committee, to the best advantage of the Grand Lodge in insured or fully secured investment instruments.

(b) the fund assets shall at all times remain within the custody of the Grand Treasurer, and all payments made from the interest derived there from, shall be executed on a warrant(email acceptable) issued by the Grand Secretary on direction of the Finance Committee and shall be attested by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee.

(c) at no time shall any of the principle of the Fund be expended, except upon three-fourths vote of the Grand Lodge on a written Resolution, however, the earned interest shall always be subject to warrant as specified in subparagraph (b) above.

(d) grants made from the fund shall be limited to the available interest earned during the prior year. Not to affect the principle of the education fund. Any unused earnings shall rollover to principle.

(e) the form of application, minimum scholastic qualifications necessary to qualify and remain eligible for grant assistance, and other factors relative to eligibility not specifically mentioned above, shall be determined by the Committee.

(f) the Committee, in conjunction with the Grand Treasurer, shall report annually to the Grand Lodge, the condition of the Fund, including the current balance, interest received, as of June 30, grants given during the year.

E. Membership Promotion Fund. (1) Establishment and Purpose. The Grand Lodge has established a fund known as the Grand

Lodge Membership Promotion Fund. This fund may only be used to support membership promotional activities throughout this jurisdiction.

(2) Source. The principle assets of this fund shall be derived from gifts, donations, bequests, assessment on each initiation in the amount established by the Grand Lodge.

(3) Administration. (a) The fund shall be administered by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. The Fund's liquid

assets shall be invested to the best advantage of the Grand Lodge in short term certificates of deposit, insured interest bearing accounts, or government backed bill, notes and/or securities.

(b) It is the policy of the Grand Lodge and The Grand Lodge Board of Directors to retain and maintain sound lodge meeting facilities in anticipation of re-establishing an Odd Fellows Lodge in that community.

(4) Expenditures. (a) Expenditures from the fund many include:


(i) development and distribution of membership promotional materials; (ii) development, distribution and execution of promotional media campaigns approved by

Grand Lodge; (iii) development and presentation of membership promotional training seminars and

workshops; (iv) legitimate expenses of members of the Odd Fellows Lodges Redevelopment Committee

and/or any other duly appointed committee(s) of the Grand Lodge associated with the establishment and institution of new Odd Fellow Lodges.

(b) Disbursements from the fund shall only be made after approval by the Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge Board of Directors upon submission of a voucher detailing the expenses accompanied by original proof of qualifying expenditures.

F. Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Fund (1) Establishment and Purpose: This Grand Lodge hereby establishes a Fund known as the

Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Fund. This fund may only be used to provide temporary financial assistance to our members who are in need of financial help. This temporary assistance to be provided to any Odd Fellow or Rebekah in good standing.

(2) Source: The principal source of funds of this account shall be donations and bequests. (3) Administration: The Grand Treasurer shall have the responsibility to administer funds

requested by the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Committee for the purpose of aid and relief. Control of the funds are placed with the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, who shall have oversight the Fund.

(a) All charges and expenses of every kind incurred in the handling, management or control of this fund shall be paid from the income thereof.

(b) All interest and cash dividends derived from the Beneficial Fund may be retained in a separate account to financially assist Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of California.

(c) No interest of cash dividends derived from the Beneficial Fund may be lawfully withdrawn, transferred or diverted to any use other than those listed in this subsection.

(d) All funds now and hereafter, placed in the Beneficial Fund shall be invested in first class bearing or income oriented securities or bank accounts, which have been approved and administered by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors’ Investment Committee and as authorized under the laws of the State of California regulating the investment of trust funds.

Section. 4. Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund A. Purpose.

(1) Assist Grand Ruler and Theta Rho Assembly President and Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee Escorting Advisors. A fund known as the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund has been created to provide for reasonable travel and per diem living expenses of the Grand Ruler, President of the Theta Rho Assembly and their Adult Advisors, when officially representing California, at authorized Youth Activities sponsored by and held in conjunction with the Annual Session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(2) Assist Junior Lodges/Theta Rho Girls' Clubs. The balance of the Fund may be used to help defray the travel expenses of the members of the Junior Lodges and/or Theta Rho Girls' Clubs of California, duly selected to participate in Sovereign Grand Lodge Youth Day Activities.

B. Conditions of Assistance. (1) Travel assistance for the Grand Ruler of the Grand Junior Lodge, President of the Theta

Rho Assembly, the Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee Escorting Advisors and the overall winning Theta Rho Club and/or Junior Lodge to participate to


S.G.L./I.A.R.A. Youth Committee such expenses not to exceed, four (4) days travel time and three (3) nights hotel accommodations, when there is a S.G.L. Youth Committee organized activity in addition to the youth meetings. Such funds be made available ninety (90) days (or 3 months) before the S.G.L./I.A.R.A. Youth Day held the same year. A Grand Lodge voucher with receipts/bills attached must be submitted in order for funds to be released. The funds are to be drawn from Youth Night Collection Fund.

(2) Travel assistance for the overall winning Theta Rho Club or Junior Lodge. When the funds in the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund are not enough to cover their travel expenses and per diem, the overall winning Theta Rho Club and/or Junior Lodge may request the Grand Master to issue a dispensation to ask the Odd Fellow and Rebekah lodges throughput the jurisdiction for financial assistance.

C. Solicitation (1) How Generated. The principal assets of this fund may be generated as follows:

(a) collection held at the annual Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly Youth Night. (b) collection taken at the visit of the Grand Junior Lodge/Theta Rho Assembly Officers at

Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. (c) any money raised during the Grand Junior Lodge and Theta Rho Assembly Sessions. (d) donations from Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges. (e) donations or gifts by members and friends.

(2) Where money sent. All money from items above shall be sent to Grand Lodge, marked for "Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund".

D. Administration (1) Disbursements. Funds shall be dispersed within two (2) working weeks of receipt of proper

voucher by Grand Secretary. All vouchers for expenditures as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection are to be signed by both Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee Chairmen, or their designated replacements in the absences of the chairperson must sign all vouchers for monies to be issued to the Grand Ruler, Theta Rho Assembly President, the overall winning Theta Rho Club and/or Junior Lodge and the Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee Escorting Advisor.

(2) That the Grand Ruler, President of Theta Rho Assembly overall winning Theta Rho Club and/or Junior Lodge and the Grand Lodge/Rebekah Assembly Youth Committee Escorting Advisor who receive financial assistance from the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund must return all unused monies with a full account of their expenditures. This to be done within sixty (60) days after the close of the Sovereign Grand Lodge session held in that same year. That all unused money in the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund to be carried over and added to the next year's money received at Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly; this to be considered part and parcel of the next year's Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Youth Night Fund.

(3) A written statement of receipts and expenditures of this fund shall be submitted by the Chairmen of the Youth Committee to the Rebekah Assembly Treasurer and Rebekah Assembly Secretary, the Grand Secretary and the Grand Treasurer, and be presented at the annual session of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.

Section. 5. California Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges Surety Bond Fund. (1) Creation and Purpose. A self funded $50,000.00 surety bond fund known as the Odd

Fellow and Rebekah Lodges Surety Bond Fund has been established by the Grand Lodge of California to provide each Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodge in California with surety protection up to $10,000.00 per year from embezzlement or wrongful appropriation of funds belonging to a lodge.

(2) Initial Funding. The Fund shall be established by an initial assessment of $50.00 on each Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodge in California. The assessment shall be paid over a two


year period in $12.50 increments, along with the per capita assessments accompanying reports ending June 30, 1989; December 31, 1989; June 30, 1990; and December 31, 1990;

(3) Investment. (a) The investment of funds shall be controlled and administered by the Grand Lodge Board of

Directors. (b) The fund shall be invested in a high yield savings account or United States government

interest bearing notes or securities. Any interest or dividends derived from the principle amount in the fund shall be added to the principal.

(4) Fund Maintenance. (a) The fund shall be maintained by an annual assessment of $5.00 on each Odd Fellow and

Rebekah lodge payable beginning July 1, 1991, until the fund balance reaches $50,000.00.

(b) Should the fund principle fall below $40,000.00, the $5.00 annual maintenance fee shall again be assessed upon all Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges until the fund balance again reaches $50,000.00.

(5) Administration of Losses. (a) Administration of losses shall be under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge Board of

Directors, and shall be in accordance with an industry standard surety bond agreement which shall become the "insuring agreement". (Copies will be supplied to lodges upon request.)

(b) To be eligible for reimbursement for a loss, a lodge shall require a minimum of two signatures on each account for withdrawal of money or the sale of securities.

(c) Any request for disbursement under the terms of the insurance agreement, shall also be accompanied by a "Notice of Judgment" against the guilty party or parties, showing the penalty of expulsion as, required by our laws for such offense(s).

(d) Disbursement shall be made by the Grand Treasurer only after investigation and report by the Board of Directors, with concurrence by a majority vote of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

(e) Disbursement to any one lodge shall not exceed $10,000.00 for any one occurrence, or a total of $10,000.00 for multiple occurrences in any one year.

PASSWORDS - VISITATIONS XXIII – 1

CHAPTER XXIII PASSWORDS – VISITATION

Section. 1. Selected. A. Term Password

(1) The Grand Master shall select the Term Password for Odd Fellow Lodges in this Jurisdiction. (2) The President of the Rebekah Assembly shall select the Term Password for Rebekah Lodges,

which shall be approved by the Grand Master, prior to distribution to District Deputy Presidents.

(3) The Grand Ruler of the Grand Junior Lodge shall select the Term Password for Junior Lodges in this Jurisdiction, which shall be approved by the Grand Master prior to distribution

(4) The President of the Theta Rho Assembly shall select the Term Password of the Theta Rho Clubs in this Jurisdiction, which shall be approved by the Grand Master prior to distribution.

XXIII – 2 PASSWORDS - VISITATIONS

HOMES, CAMPS, HOUSING XXIV – 1

Deleted at the 2015 Sessions.

See GL Web Site caioof.org for Bylaws

A copy will be maintained in the offices of Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly

ODD FELLOW AND REBEKAH BENEFICIAL FUND XXV – 1

CHAPTER XXV BYLAWS OF THE

ODD FELLOW AND REBEKAH BENEFICIAL FUND Deleted 2014 Sessions

OFFENSES AND TRIALS XXVI – 1

CHAPTER XXVI OFFENSES AND TRIALS

Refer to The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the I.O.O.F. Chapter

XXXVIII and apply the entire chapter.

XXVI – 2 OFFENSES AND TRIALS

WORDS AND PHRASES XXVII – 1

CHAPTER XXVII WORDS and PHRASES

See SGL of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws Chapter XXX – 1.

Conflict of Interest: No member including officer, or director shall vote on any item or question relating to any business or organization in which they may be or have, within the past 5 years, been an employee, officer, director, vendor, supplier or service provider in which they have or might have an actual or a perceived personal, fiscal or pecuniary interest.

Gender: With the exception of Chapter pertaining to Juniors and Theta Rho laws of the Order shall be construed to apply equally to all members regardless of sex, thus whenever a term normally associated to a male member is found it shall apply equally to a female member.

XXVII – 2 WORDS AND PHRASES

MISCELLANEOUS XXVIII – 1

CHAPTER XXVIII MISCELLANEOUS

Section. 1. Programs of the Grand Lodge. A. Generally.

(1) The following are programs of the Grand Lodge of California: (a) Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Beneficial Fund (September is Fund Awareness Month) (b) Arthritis Fund (March is Fund Awareness Month) (c) International Youth Exchange (d) Visual Research Foundation (e) Odd Fellow and Rebekah Beneficial Committee (f) Volcano Lodge #25 Historical Associate Membership (g) Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade

Section. 2. Area Councils. A. Generally

(1) Authorization. The Grand Lodge authorizes the formation of Area Councils to be structured and function as specified in this Code section.

(2) Structure. Area Councils shall be a voluntary association of Lodges and Clubs of all branches of the Order desiring to participate in such an association within their designated Area of this jurisdiction. (Area Councils may include the Patriarchal Branches if their Grand Bodies so authorize.)

(3) Purpose. Area Councils shall endeavor to promote Odd Fellowship through a united effort on area wide programs and projects for which individual Lodges working alone would be unable to supply the physical, financial or man power resources necessary for a given project, unless united in a voluntary association for concerted action.

(4) Dues. An Area Council may, by its By-Laws, require annual dues for membership by Lodges and/or Clubs in the Council; such dues shall not exceed twenty-five dollars for Senior Branches or five dollars for Junior Branches and Zeta Lambda Tau Chapters.

(5) Representatives. (a) Each Lodge or Club holding membership in an Area Council shall be entitled to two

or more representatives to the Council, as provided by the Council By-Laws. The representatives shall be selected at the time specified in the Council By-Laws.

(b) Each District Deputy in the area shall also be a representative on the Council during his or her term of appointment.

(c) Committee members of the various Grand Bodies may be representatives at large, during their term of appointment, if the Council By- Laws so provide.

(6) Officers. The Council shall elect from the Lodge representatives an Executive Committee of not less than five members, as specified in the Council By-Laws. The Executive Committee shall select from its members, a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, or Secretary-Treasurer, as stipulated in the By-Laws.

(7) Meeting. Area Council shall hold at least three meetings each year, as shall be specified in the Council By-Laws. One meeting shall be in the early spring, after selection of new Lodge representatives and prior to the annual Grand Lodge session; a second meeting should be held shortly after Grand Lodge; and another should be held shortly before or after Grand Encampment. The Executive Committee shall be selected at the spring meeting. The Executive Committee or the Lodges may call special meetings in the manner specified in the Council By-Laws.

(8) Method of Operation. The Council should function through area wide committees, each committee with a competent chairman.

XXVIII – 2 MISCELLANEOUS

(a) Each committee shall hold planning sessions or working meetings as necessary in the interim between the regular Council meetings.

(b) The committees shall present plans and recommendations to the Council for approval before entering upon any area wide projects.

(c) The Council shall have no power or authority to engage or enter upon any new project unless approved by two-thirds of the Lodges and Clubs participating in said Council.

(9) Limitation of Authority. No Area Council shall have the authority to promote or sponsor any project which will require the commitment or expenditure of funds, without approval of the Grand Lodge or the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge, unless it has the full amount necessary on hand.

(10) Support. When the Grand Lodge or Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge has given support to a project of an Area Council, the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly officers are expected to give moral support to such project when visiting the area.

(11) Reports. The Secretary of the Area Council shall submit an annual report on the work of the Council to each Grand Body with subordinate units participating in the Council.

(12) Blood Banks. Blood Banks that have been established by certain Lodges covering certain geographic areas shall remain a function of these Lodges only and for the benefit only and for the benefit of such other Lodges as may be established in this same geographic area.

Section. 3. Cemeteries. A. Generally.

(1) Endowments and Maintenance Funds. Lodge Cemeteries, operating under State regulation, shall be permitted to establish Endowment Care or Maintenance Care Funds for the maintenance of Lodge cemetery property used for both Odd Fellow and general public burials. Odd Fellow Cemeteries not maintaining an Endowment Care Fund shall not be permitted to accept other than annual maintenance fees.

(2) Fraternal Cemetery. A Fraternal Cemetery is distinguished from a Public Cemetery owned by a Lodge, in that a Fraternal Cemetery shall be for the exclusive burial of members of the Lodge and their immediate families.

(3) Sale By Lodge. When a Lodge sells its Fraternal Cemetery property to another agency or party, it shall, as a condition of sale, reserve to itself for the benefit of its members, a minimum block of twenty spaces, to be free of all encumbrances. The Lodge shall also, as a further condition of sale, reserve the right to place a durable plaque within a conspicuous place on said cemetery site, the plaque to have minimum dimensions of twelve by twenty-four inches, and to be inscribed with the name and number of the Lodge together with the date the cemetery was founded.

B. Reports (1) All Odd Fellow owned cemeteries within this jurisdiction, whether working under the Lodge

corporation, incorporated separately or unincorporated are required to file semi-annual and annual reports to the Grand Lodge of California on forms prescribed by the Grand Lodge. Reporting to include, but not limited to, copies of the State required Endowed Care and Special Care Trust Fund reports, IRS Form 990, annual and semiannual financial statements, interment and cremation reports and state sales tax reports.

(2) All Odd Fellow owned cemeteries, and or Odd Fellow operated cemeteries, within this jurisdiction, whether working under the Lodge corporation, incorporated separately or unincorporated are required to file all federal, state and local mandated reports, forms and tax returns.

(3) Failure to complete and return the reports as prescribed by Grand Lodge will result in disciplinary action from the Grand Lodge


(4) The Grand Lodge may, at its discretion, further investigate any items or issues arising from a review of the documents received under this provision.

C. Funds and Property (1) All funds of an Odd Fellow Lodge owned cemetery whether working under the Lodge

corporation, incorporated separately or unincorporated are trust funds and shall be handled and invested in full compliance with the State Cemetery Code.

(2) A lodge owned/operated cemetery within this jurisdiction, whether working under the Lodge corporation, incorporated separately or unincorporated must receive written approval from Grand Lodge to spend more than $50,000.00 (Fifty thousand dollars) on any improvement, building, expansion, equipment or maintenance project of the cemetery.

(3) A lodge owned/operated cemetery within this jurisdiction, whether working under the Lodge corporation, incorporated separately or unincorporated must receive written approval from Grand Lodge to purchase or sell any cemetery property, other than in the ordinary course of business.

Section. 4. Supplies. A. Generally.

(1) Approved. Lodges and Clubs shall only secure and use official books, regalia, jewels, cards, certificates, etc., which are supplied through or approved by the Grand Lodge or the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

(2) Orders. Lodge and Clubs shall order supplies from the Grand Secretary, unless directed to order them from the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly or the Sovereign Grand Secretary or a company approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Rebekah Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs shall place orders with the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly.

(3) Rebekah Assembly Authority. The Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly shall have the authority to purchase, direct from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, all supplies to be used by Rebekah Lodges and Theta Rho Girls' Clubs in this jurisdiction.

(4) Payment To Accompany Orders. Payment in full shall accompany all orders submitted to the Grand Secretary or the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly for supplies. Neither the Grand Secretary nor the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly shall ship any supplies to any Lodge, Club or individual until payment in full has been received by said Secretary.

(5) When Supplied Free. All Odd Fellow Lodges and Junior Lodges instituted with twenty or more initiates shall be presented, at the time of institution of the Lodge, with five rituals, one book dues receipts, five cipher books, one of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws, one Code of California Odd Fellow Laws, and a list of supplies, free of charge.

Section. 5. Proficiency. A. Generally.

(1) Certificate, Awarded When. When a candidate or member recites all of the unwritten work of all degrees and the obligation relative to that particular subordinate unit of the Order, in open Lodge or while being examined by a member of the Grand Body Examination Committee, the Grand Body, on recommendation of the Lodge or Examination Committee shall issue to the member a Certificate of Proficiency, signed by the presiding officer of the Grand Body and attested by the Secretary.

Section. 6. Minutes and Records. A. Minutes.

(1) Form Of. Minutes shall be recorded in a uniform manner. The Secretary, or his designee to assist, may utilize a recording device for the purpose of transcribing lawful business, but at no time ritualistic work of any kind. The recording must always be in the possession of the Lodge and if not erased, to be in permanent possession of the Lodge. At no time will any


outside person have access to these recordings. These recordings are to be used for transcribing minutes to the minute book and include:

(a) a caption noting date of meeting, name of Lodge, place and hour of meeting; (b) names of officers absent; (c) names of members appointed as pro-tem officers; (d) a report of action on the minutes of the previous meeting. If corrected the correction shall

be written out in full and no erasure or alteration shall be made to the minutes written up; (e) full wording of all resolutions and motions passed by the Lodge. A precise number of votes

cast need not be recorded, unless required by law or a division or roll call is taken. If a roll call vote is taken, the names of all voting and their vote shall be recorded;

(f) an abstract or copy of Treasurer's and Trustee's reports and all reports relating to finances of the Lodge;

(g) an abstract or copy of the semi-annual and annual reports; (h) an abstract of all communications from the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, President of

the Rebekah Assembly, Assembly Secretary and District Deputy of the District. When such communications are addressed specifically to the Lodge;

(i) a copy of the written reports of all committees or an abstract thereof as the Lodge may order;

(j) the substance of all verbal committee reports; (k) a brief statement of the proceedings of the Lodge meeting, stating facts in the order as they

occur; (l) receipts of the week; (m) warrants issued (n) other notices and information required by law or by order of the Lodge; (o) number of members and visitors present; and, (p) the signature of the person recording the minutes.

(2) When No Quorum Present. The Secretary shall note on the minutes, each Lodge meeting date whether a quorum is present or not. If no quorum is present, the minutes shall include the names of the members present, that they may receive credit.

(3) Officers Roll. The roll of officers may be kept in a separate roll book. (4) Rejections and Suspensions. The names of candidates rejected and members suspended or

expelled shall be entered in a book kept for such purposes and the fact of such rejection, suspension or expulsion shall be noted in the minutes.

(5) Records. (a) The records of a Lodge consist of the Charter (or Dispensation), all minute books, account

books, applications, member register, journal, records of proceedings, communications, reports, bills, statements, bonds and other documents which come into the possession of the Lodge and relate to the structure, function and activities of the Lodge. Account books, minute books and financial journals shall be preserved in bound permanent books or ledgers. Permanent records of the lodge may not be retained exclusively in computer databases.

Such records constitute authentic and correct evidence of the structure and activities of a Lodge and shall not be mutilated, destroyed or parted with, except as hereafter provided.

(b) Bills, bank statements and records of payment for ordinary Lodge expense shall be kept for the period recommended by standard accounting practice in this jurisdiction.

(c) Communications addressed to the Lodge shall be kept for at least one year, excepting however, communications relating to membership status shall be placed in the minutes or archives of the Lodge.


(d) Unsolicited advertisements, brochures and non-Order related publications, solicitations and announcements may be disposed of at any time the Lodge deem expedient.

Section. 7. Corporation Articles and Bylaws. A. Generally

(1) Articles of incorporation and Corporate Bylaws of any corporation whose Directors or Trustees are elected or appointed by the members of the Grand Lodge and/or Rebekah Assembly, or which require membership in the Grand Lodge and/or Rebekah Assembly as a condition of appointment as Director or Trustee, shall be printed in this Code.

(2) The initial codification and placement of such Articles and Bylaws shall be made by the Committee on Legislation and shall be placed in the Chapter most closely addressing the corporate subject in this Code, or in an open Chapter which corresponds to the like subject matter in The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Section. 8. Removal of Directors/Trustees (1) Any elected member of any Board may be removed by the elected body upon vote and

recommendation of that Board for cause. The definition of cause shall include but not limited to the following:

(a) attendance: A Director/Trustees having unexcused absences of two or more consecutive regular board meetings or any absences in excess of 25% at regular meetings in a calendar year may be grounds for removal.

(b) ethical Conduct. A Director/Trustees shall perform the duties of a Director as prescribed, in good faith and in the interest of the Order. A Director must at all times maintain high ethical standards that are not adverse to the health, morals or welfare of the board or any member of the Order, or any individual engaged in any activity related to their or any board of the Order.

(c) breach of Confidentiality. A Director/Trustee may not disclose or cause to be disclosed any confidential and proprietary board information to anyone not authorized to receive same.

For these of any other cause and upon vote and recommendation of two-thirds majority of the board at a regular meeting, the Director will be notified by certified mail and placed under suspension until the ruling by the elected body or 60 days whichever comes first.

Section. 9. Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade The Odd Fellows Past District Deputies Association of Los Angeles County (a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation) shall be authorized to obtain donations from Lodges to help defray the expenses of sponsoring a float in the Annual Tournament of Roses Parade at Pasadena, California to promote the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and must be at no cost nor liability to the Grand Lodge of California.

CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION XXIX – 1

CHAPTER XXIX CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION


CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.

ARTICLE I. The name of this corporation is:

CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCHFOUNDATION, INC. ARTICLE II.

A. This corporation is a nonprofit PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes.

B. The specific purpose of this corporation is to establish and maintain vital research connected with the human eye and also to manage a Memorial Fund dedicated to assisting members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Jurisdiction of California, with problems related to vision.

ARTICLE III. The name and address in the State of California of this corporation's initial agent for service

of process is: Name Gerald Poarch, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of

California, I.O.O.F. Address PO Box 2669 City Saratoga State CA Zip 95070

ARTICLE IV. A. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the

meaning of Section 501(c) (3), Internal Revenue Code. B. No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda,

or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE V. Sec. 1. The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes and no part of

the net income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person. Upon the dissolution or winding up of this corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under Section 50l(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code.

(original signed by) Gerald Poarch, Incorporator

(These Articles of Incorporation were adopted by vote of the Board on October 21, 2005. They were accepted by the Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, on January 31, 2006 and numbered 2851 032.)

XXIX – 2 CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION


BY-LAWS OF THE CALIFORNIA VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.

ARTICLE I. NAME

Sec. 1. The name of this Corporation, which is sponsored by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California, shall be "California Visual Research Foundation, Incorporated."

Sec. 2. The location of the California Visual Research Foundation, Incorporated, shall be the Grand Lodge Office. Sub-offices shall be located as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

Sec. 1. The purposes of this corporation shall be those set forth in its certificate of corporation, a copy of which shall be attached to and become a part of the minute book of this corporation. This corporation will operate the California Visual Research Foundation, Incorporated. It is to work with the Joint Visual Research Committee in making funds available for Eye Research, examinations by medical doctors of problems relating to the eyes, providing printed materials and for expenses incurred in providing services; provided such funds are available through contributions, memorials, gifts and/or other means of raising these funds. No expense shall be incurred for any reason, unless a firm amount is approved by the majority of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sec. 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of nine (9) members in good standing of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of California who shall manage the affairs of the corporation. The Directors shall be listed as the "Board" in the balance of these By-laws.

Sec. 2. Three (3) Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of the Joint Visual Research Committee to serve for a term of three (3) years or until their successors are elected. All elections shall be by a majority vote of the committee members present, providing a quorum is present. It is recommended to have equal representation on the Board from three different sections of the state.

Sec. 3. The Board is to provide for the raising of funds to carry on its purposes and shall submit an annual report of the activities of the Visual Research Foundation, Inc. to the Joint visual Research Committee. This Board shall employ such persons and enter into such contracts and undertakings, as it may deem necessary or desirable for the successful promotion of the objects and purposes of this corporation.

A. Members needing assistance are to be referred to the Board for medical examination and/or financial assistance. At least seven (7) members of the Board shall review and approve any assistance to those who qualify.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Sec. 1. The Officers of this corporation shall consist of a President, Vice President, and a Secretary. Sec. 2. These Officers shall be elected from among the Directors at each annual meeting and are to

hold office until the next annual meeting or until their respective successors are elected. Sec. 3. Duties.

A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and all combined meetings with the Joint Visual Research Committee. He or she serves as an ex-officio member of all committees that serve the corporation or the Joint Visual Research Committee. He or she shall call special meetings of the Board when necessary or upon a written request of at least five (5) members of the Board.

B. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President during his or her absence or incapacity to serve and shall perform such other duties as the Board may direct.


C. The Secretary shall attend all the meetings of this corporation and shall call the roll, read the minutes and communications, issue warrants for the disbursements of funds, and make a true record of the transactions of every meeting including the financial report as provided by the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE V. FUNDS

Sec. 1. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge shall have charge of the funds of the corporation and are to render such periodic reports to the Board of the financial condition of the corporation as it may require. They are also to deposit these funds in such banks or bank as the Board shall direct and to write all checks as the Board may direct after receipt of a proper warrant authorizing such disbursement.

Sec. 2. A Memorial Fund shall be maintained from donations specifically designated for the purpose of assisting members of the Order with problems related to vision. Disbursement from this fund may be authorized at any time by the officers of the Board and ratified at the next regular meeting of the Board.

Sec. 3. A General Fund shall be maintained from monies not specifically designated for the Memorial Fund. These funds may be used for normal expenses and for donations to the Visual Research Foundation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and other Visual Research organizations selected at the annual meeting of the Board.

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

Sec. 1. The Annual meeting of this corporation shall be held at such time and place, as the Board shall determine in advance during the Grand Encampment Convention.

Sec. 2. The Semi-Annual meeting shall be held at such time and place, as the Board shall determine in advance during the Grand Lodge and Rebekah assembly Convention.

Sec. 3. Special meetings may be called by the President at such time and place as he or she deems necessary, when directed by the Board, when requested in writhing by at least five (5) Directors, or when called by a majority vote of the members of the Joint Visual Research Committee.

Sec. 4. All meetings of the board shall be open to Associated Directors, members of the Joint visual Research Committee and other members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, unless a closed meeting has been declared. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of at least six (6) Directors present shall be required to declare a closed meeting.

Sec. 5. The Secretary shall give notice of the time and place of any meeting to each Board member in writing or by telephone at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the same. Such notice may be waived by a written waiver signed by at least six (6) Directors and recorded with the minutes of that particular meeting.

Sec. 6. Combined meetings of the board and the Joint visual Research Committee shall occur whenever the Board deems it necessary or upon the request of the Joint Visual Research Committee. The President of the Board shall preside at all Combined meetings

Sec. 7. A Quorum shall consist of six (6) Directors Sec. 8. Absentee Directors may vote by written proxy submitted to the Secretary of the Board. Sec. 9. Vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason shall be filled by the Board at any meeting.

The newly selected member is to serve until the next annual Joint visual Research Committee meeting or until his or her successor is duly elected


ARTICLE VII. PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY

Sec. 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rule of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rule of order this corporation may adopt.

ARTICLE VIII. JOINT VISUAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Sec. 1. Committee Membership. A. Selection. The Joint Visual Research Committee shall consist of twelve appointed members,

two each shall be appointed by the presiding officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Encampment, Department Council Patriarchs Militant, Rebekah Assembly, Grand Ladies Encampment Auxiliary, and the Department Association Ladies Auxiliaries Patriarchs Militant of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California and who shall be members in good standing in their respective Grand Bodies. In addition to the aforementioned persons, all Elected Officers of all recognized Grand Bodies of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of California and all committee chairmen who are present at a Joint Visual Research Committee meeting shall have voice and vote.

B. Term Of Appointment. One committee member shall be appointed each year by the presiding officer of each of the aforementioned Grand Bodies, each committee member shall serve for a term of two years, unless he or she be removed for just cause. If a member of the committee does not attend at least one meeting in any one calendar year he/she may be removed.

C. Duties. The duties of the Joint Visual Research Committee shall be to promote the progress of the California Visual Research Foundation, to conduct such business as may be necessary and to elect the members of the Board of Directors at their annual meeting, to be held immediately preceding, during or following the Grand Encampment sessions at such time and place as the committee shall determine in advance. Five committee members shall constitute a quorum.

D. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the Joint Visual Research Committee by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or otherwise, shall be filled for the balance of the term according to the regulations governing the Grand Body from which the committee member being replaced received his or her appointment to the Joint Visual Research Committee. The Chairman of the Joint Visual Research Committee shall request that such vacancies be filled as quickly as possible.

Sec. 2. Officers. A. Committee Officers. The officers of the Joint Visual Research Committee are: Chairman, Vice

Chairman and Secretary. B. Selection of Officers. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Visual Research

Committee shall be elected by the members of the committee from amongst the members present, at each annual meeting, and shall hold office until the next annual meeting or until their respective successors are duly elected and present to officiate. The Secretary of the Joint Visual Research Committee shall be the Recording Secretary of the Board of Directors.

C. Duties of Officers. (1) The Chairman shall preside at all meetings and shall appoint members to special sub-

committees within the group. The Chairman shall submit to the presiding officers of the various Grand Bodies names of members of those Grand Bodies in good standing who he or she recommends for appointment or re-appointment as Region chairmen.

(2) The Vice Chairman shall perform the duties of the chairman during his or her absence or incapacity and shall perform such other duties as the committee shall direct.


(3) The Secretary shall record the proceedings of the committee at all meetings and forward copies to all committee members and to the Board of Directors within 30 days of the date of the meeting. Shall receive and read all communications and bills presented to the committee and forward them to the Board of Directors for further action.

Sec. 3. Region, District and Unit Chairmen. A. The presiding officers of all Grand Bodies shall appoint Region Chairman, the District Deputies

shall appoint District Chairmen, and the presiding Officers of all Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges, Encampments, Ladies Encampment Auxiliaries, Canton and Ladies Auxiliaries, Patriarchs Militant, shall appoint unit chairmen.

B. Duties - Region, District and Unit chairman shall promote the work of the Board of Directors and the Joint California Visual Research Committee under the guidance and direction of the Joint California Visual Research Committee.

Sec. 4. Directors. A. Management. The Board of Directors shall submit an annual report of the activities of the

Visual Research Foundation to the Joint Visual Research Committee. B. Administer Assistance. The Board shall consider all cases referred to it for medical examination

or financial assistance. Such assistance may be available to those who qualify and no less than three members of the Board shall review and approve such assistance.

Sec. 5. Meetings. A. The Annual meeting of this Committee shall be held during the month of October at such time

and place as the Board shall determine in advance. B. The Semiannual meeting of this Committee shall be held during the month of May at

approximately the same time as the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly.

C. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman at such time and place as he or she deems necessary or when directed by the Board or when requested in writing by at least five (5) Directors or when called by a majority vote of the members of the Joint Visual Research Committee.

D. Open Meetings. All meetings of the Joint Visual Research Committee shall be open to Directors, Associate Directors, and other members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, unless a closed meeting has been declared. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Committee present shall be required to declare a closed meeting.

E. Notice of Meetings. The Secretary shall give notice of the time and place of any meeting, to each member in writing or by telephone at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the same. Such notice may be waived by written waiver signed by the members of the Committee and recorded with the minutes of the particular meeting.

F. Combined meetings of the Board and the Joint Visual Research Committee shall occur whenever the Board deems it necessary or upon the request of the Joint Visual Research Committee. The President of the Board shall preside over all combined meetings.

G. A quorum shall consist of six (6) members of the Committee who are entitled to vote. ARTICLE IX.

AMENDMENTS Sec. 1. The Board shall have the power to amend any portion of these By-laws. Sec. 2. These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the corporation, provided that the

amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous regular meeting and discussed accordingly unless it is approved by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors present in a legally constituted regular meeting.


Sec. 3. These bylaws were read 18 May, 1991, at a regular meeting in Stockton, California, and suggested changes were incorporated. They were read the second time, amended, and adopted during the regular meeting at Stockton, California, at 11:29 a.m., October 13, 1991.

An amendment removing "Eye Bank" and related text and clarifying the role of the Board of Directors was read 22 May 2005 at a regular meeting in Modesto, California, and suggested changes were incorporated. They were read the second time, amended, and adopted during the regular meeting in San Mateo, California, at 10:35 a.m., October 21, 2005.

Richard A. Brouse, Chairman Bylaws Committee.

ZETA LAMBDA TAU CHAPTERS XXX – 1

CHAPTER XXX ZETA LAMBDA TAU CHAPTERS – LAWS GOVERNING

Deleted at 2015 Sessions

CHAPTER XXXI Documentation Format

Documentation format as per Resolution #2 of the Grand Lodge of California 2012 sessions.

The changes that were adopted in the Grand Lodge Sessions of 2012, allows these identifying marks: 1. All references to the Sovereign Grand Lodge and or other pages within the Roberts Code of

California have been bolded and italicized. EXAMPLE for The Sovereign Grand Lodge: Chapter IV – 16, Part B, Section 10, of The Sovereign Grand Lodge Code of General Laws EXAMPLE for Roberts Code of California: Chapter X – 1, Article IV, Section 1 (D), of this Code

2. The following is the format for the Chapters, Articles and bulleted items. This format was created in Microsoft Word to keep all bulleted items uniformed:

CHAPTER I ARTICLE I.

Sec. 1. The word ‘Section’ is spelled out completely if it is not part of an Article. Bolded bullet and bolded title and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded.

A. In some cases, the title of the bullet is bolded. Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded

(1) Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded. This is an example of the return and spacing as the sentence is turned into a paragraph with multiple lines.

(a) Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded. This is an example of the return and spacing as the sentence is turned into a paragraph with multiple lines.

(i) Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded. This is an example of the return and spacing as the sentence is turned into a paragraph with multiple lines.

(A) Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded. This is an example of the return and spacing as the sentence is turned into a paragraph with multiple lines.

(I) Bolded bullet and lettering in the paragraph is not bolded. This is an example of the return and spacing as the sentence is turned into a paragraph with multiple lines.

3. To help you and your committee see the updates from the Grand Lodge Sessions, there is a

reference page after the ‘Preface to the Code of 2012’ page. 4. Within the table are hyperlinks to the changes within the code. The text is in the ‘Page’ column

and is identified with an underscore. Place the mouse over the hyperlink. Press and hold the ‘Ctrl’ key on the keyboard. The pointer should change to a finger pointing. Click the left mouse button. The text will be changed to the information to be reviewed.

Articles are under a decision process at this time. There are Articles with this format were each

section has a number that is consecutive with that article. EXAMPLE 1:

ARTICLE I. Sec. 1. This is the first section

A. Test Sec. 2. This is the second section

A. Test

XXX – 2 DOCUMENTATION FORMAT

Then in the Bylaws of Odd Fellows Homes of California the section reflects the Article number. Also, that the title of each article is underscored.

EXAMPLE 2: ARTICLE I.

NAME Sec. 1.1 This is the first section to Article 1

A. Test (1) Test

Sec. 1.2 This the second section to Article 1 A. Test

ARTICLE II. OFFICE

Sec. 2.1 This is the first section to Article 2 A. Test

Sec. 2.2 This is the second section to Article 2 A. Test

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