GRAND CHAPTER EXECUTIVE ORDER NO 2008-01

WHEREAS: In accordance with the Constitution, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida, Appendix A, Uniform Code of Bylaws, Article XIII, many companions are suspended for nonpayment of dues each year, and

WHEREAS: It is beneficial to the Particular Chapters and the Grand Chapter of Florida that these Companions be encouraged to again become an active member of Royal Arch Masonry, and

WHEREAS: Membership is one of our important goals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James P. Rudman, M.E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Florida, do hereby order and declare:

1. That during the period from April 28, 2008 until April 8, 2009, a period of amnesty is declared for all Royal Arch Masons suspended from their respective Chapter or Chapters for non-payment of dues. Any particular Chapter in our Grand Jurisdiction that desires to reinstate a suspended Companion without payment of past dues, may do so by adopting the attached Resolution, which adopted Resolution must be returned to the Grand Secretary’s office over the Seal of the Chapter, in order to be effective. And, if adopted, I hereby waive the p rovisions of Article XIII concerning the payment of past Per Capita Tax. Provided that each such Companion shall make application for reinstatement to the Chapter which suspended him and, at the time of such application, shall pay the dues (not prorated) in that Chapter for the current year. He may likewise renew membership in any other Chapter or Chapters to which he belonged at the time of his suspension, by notifying such other Chapter or Chapters of his reinstatement under the provisions of this Executive Order and by paying his dues in such Chapter or Chapters for the current year. If he chooses to be reinstated only in the Chapter which suspended him, he may do so, and shall notify the other Chapter or Chapters from which he was likewise suspended of his reinstatement and decision not to renew his membership in such other Chapter or Chapters.

2. That an application for reinstatement to the Chapter which suspended him shall be presented at a Stated Convocation, and follow the usual course. The Secretary shall report the action of the Chapter in the Chapter’s monthly report and to all other Chapters in the District.

3. That each High Priest will see that a list of all members of his Chapter, suspended for non-payment of dues during the past five (5) years, is sent to the Grand Secretary’s Office. The Grand Secretary will then send a blank application for reinstatement, together with a copy of this Executive Order, to each affected member.

4. That every Chapter shall use its best efforts to contact all companions entitled to reinstatement under the terms of this Executive Order and to impress upon them the advantages of this opportunity to return to good standing.

5. That insofar as any provision of the Constitution is inconsistent with the terms of this Executive Order, the same is hereby set aside for the duration of the period of amnesty as aforesaid.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND and the Seal of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Florida, this 29th day of April, A.I. 2538, A.D. 2008.

JAMES P. RUDMAN
Grand High Priest

Attest: Steven Q. Steele
Grand Secretary

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, IN THE SPIRIT OF Masonic Brotherhood, it is the desire of ___________________ Chapter No. _______ R.A.M., to reinstate those Companions who have been suspended for non-payment of dues, and,

WHEREAS, M:.E:. JAMES P. RUDMAN, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Florida, has issued Executive Order No. 1, waiving the Grand Chapter per capita tax for the years of suspension for a Companion who is restored to membership by paying his 2008 dues, and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Chapter to waive past dues and reinstatement fees for a Companion who is reinstated under this Executive Order,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that until rescinded by this Chapter or until April 8, 2009, whichever occurs earlier, a Companion of this Chapter who has been su spended for Non-Payment of Dues may be restored to membership by applying for reinstatement and being elected according to the provisions of Appendix A, Uniform Code of Bylaws, Article XIII of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of the State of Florida, and this Chapter agrees to waive past dues and reinstatement fees, and any By-Law Provisions in conflict are hereby set aside until the above mentioned date.

Adopted by action of Chapter on the _______ day of __________________ 2008

_________________________
High Priest

_________________________
Secretary

Related posts:

1. Grand High Priest’s Executive Order #2
2. Grand High Priest’s Executive Order #1
3. Grand High Priest 2008-2009 Program
4. Grand High Priests Directive #1
5. Grand Commandery – Executive Order No. 2