WIDOWS SONS ILLINOIS FOUNDING GRAND CHAPTER


BYLAWS AND FOUNDING INTENTIONS OR LANDMARKS

April 1998







FOUNDER: CARL A DAVENPORT
Table of Contents:

 

Dedication       ……………………………………………………..3

 

Constitution

Article 1.            Name……………………………………………….4

 

Article 2.             Purpose …………………………………………….5

 

Article 3.             Membership ……………………………………….6

 

Article 4.             Retirement …………………………………………8

 

Article 5.             Officers ……………………………………………9

 

Article 6.             Election of Officers ………………………………..11

 

Article 7.             Charges and Disputes ……………………………...12

 

Article 8.             Meetings …………………………………………...13

 

Article 9.             Mandatory Runs …………………………………...14

 

Article 10.          Funerals ……………………………………………15

 

Article 11.          Logos and Property ………………………………..16

 

Article 12.          Bikes and Riding Order …………………………...17

 

Article 13.          Finances …………………………………………...18

 

 

Membership Pledge  …………………………………………….…..19

Widows Sons Founding Intentions or Landmarks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication

 

Commitment to: Widows Sons Organization

 

 

Pledge of Membership:

It is the pledge of the membership of this Grand Chapter and its affiliate chapters to support and abide by the Founding Intentions and Founding Landmarks, and these Founding By-Laws of The Widows Sons Organization.

 

It is the pledge of the membership to obey, without reservation, all laws, edicts and orders imposed by the Widows Sons Organizational By-laws and Founding intent and landmarks. 

 

It is the pledge of each Member to conduct himself and his business as a Mason and in direct accordance to the Founding By-laws and Original Intent and Landmarks of the Widows Sons.

 

It is the pledge of the Chapter President and Officers to Found and support a Widows Fund in their state to contribute to the relief of widows and orphans of worthy Master Masons. It is also promised that the Grand Chapter will not allow any other charity or monetary donating function to take precedence over the Widows Fund.

 

It is the pledge of the President and his Officers to rule and guide their state chapters with

Equal regularity, and to base all decisions in direct accordance with The Widows

Sons Founding By-Laws and Founding Intentions and Landmarks.

 

 

 

Founding Landmarks of the Widows Sons 1998, 2001

 

 

To become a Widows Son, or to form a chapter of Widows Sons, you must be a Mason first. You must then promise to support the goals and purposes of the Widows Sons Organization.

The sole founding goal and purposes of the Widows Sons is to support widows and orphans of Master Masons. This will be done autonymously in each state by the founding of a Widows Fund from within the Grand Chapter of the state. This Widows Fund is the first and foremost purpose of granting a charter for any Grand Chapter. Always remember: The Widows Sons is being founded to support widows and orphans of Master Masons. No other charity or any other object of monetary support, from any Widows Sons Grand Chapter, or any affiliated chapter, or any member should take precedence over the Widows Fund which supports only widows and orphans of master Masons in its state.

The second purpose of founding the Widows Sons was to promote fellowship and unity among brother Masons who ride motorcycles.

The third purpose of the founding of the Widows Sons was to introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling and to introduce the world of motorcycling to freemasonry.

No chapter or member of any chapter shall recruit motorcycle riders for the purpose of increasing the Widows Sons numbers in membership. The Widows Sons shall not allow any member of any outlawed organization(s) or any motorcycle club(s) that considers it self to be a one percent club to become a member of any chapter of Widows Sons, nor will any member of the Widows Sons associate with any member(s) of any outlawed organization(s) or any motorcycle club(s) that considers it self to be a one percent club while wearing future Widows Sons regalia. 

No Widows Sons Grand Chapter shall have any say, or any rule or authority over, nor any vote in the business of another Grand Chapter.  Each State Grand Chapter is autonymous of one another. Autonymous, being defined as; ruling and governing their own state business and activities in accordance with the due boundaries of Freemasonry of their state, first, then within the due boundaries of these Widows Sons founding by-laws and founding landmarks of the Widows Sons.

There shall be no governing or ruling committee or consulting body, or person in a position with any authority to make decisions for, council, or to rule over the entire national entity of the Widows Sons. Each state rules all Widows Sons business in its own state.

An established Widows Sons Grand Chapter, that is in full compliance with the Founding By-laws and Landmarks may charter another Grand Chapter in another state into existence upon the promise given by the chapter that it will adhere to these Landmarks and the Widows Sons Founding by-laws, making changes to the by-laws only necessary to resolve any conflicts in these by-laws and landmarks with their Grand Lodge by-laws, rules or edicts.  No other changes to the founding by-laws or founding landmarks should be made to appease any personal or Grand Chapter preferences. No single person shall issue charters to new Grand Chapters. They must be chartered by a Grand Chapter.

 

At the time there are fifty (50) Grand Bodies of Widows Sons in the United States, and bodies outside the U.S. Changes, alterations or amendments or additions to the Widows Sons Founding By-laws or the Founding Landmarks shall be made with a ratification vote of a ninety (90) percent majority of the fifty (50) widows Sons United States chapters and all chapters outside the U.S. by a ballot voting in favor of the purposed changes, or by a Grand Lodge proclamation.

 

Adopted: 2001:When a logo, patch or insignia of the Widows Sons is adopted, only men who are Masons shall wear it. No wives, girlfriends, sisters, daughters, moms or grandmothers shall display a patch on their back. There will be no ladies’ or support or associate patches. No member or affiliate chapter shall create a patch, button, decal pin or any other item that advertises, names or promotes the Widows Sons. This is reserved for Grand Chapters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter

 

By-Laws

 

Constitution

 

 

Article. 1 Name

 

Section l.01

This organization shall be known as The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter. The Widows Sons are a non-profit organization. The Founding Grand Chapter meeting place will be: Mirage Restaurant, 10255 W Irving Park Road, Shiller Park Illinois 60176

 

Section 1.02

The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall be the parent chapter for all Widows Sons affiliate chapters in Illinois, and shall have jurisdiction over membership of any and all Illinois affiliate chapters as described in this constitution.

 

Section l.03

The Right for chapter chartering throughout the State of Illinois is reserved for future consideration by The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter.

 

Section 1.04

The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter reserves all rights to issue or deny any and all use of any future copyrighted Widows Sons patch and or logos and trademarks to any chapter that has been designated a charter by The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter and reserves the right to revoke the charter or copyrighted patches of any chapter(s) and/or members to which a patch has been issued within the boundaries of the State of Illinois, or by whom violates the bylaws of THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS and or the bylaws of The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter, or governs themselves in an un-Masonic manner, and/or brings disgrace to or embarrassment to any chapter of The Widows Sons or any Blue Lodge, THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS or any other Masonic body.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Article 2. Purpose

 

Section 2.01

It shall be the goal and the objective of The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter to create a Widows fund and use it to contribute to the aid and relief of widows of Master Masons, to encourage their membership to remain in good standing in the records of their blue lodge, to engage in proper conduct, and reasonable legal activities to persuade the public opinion of the desirability of The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter. It shall be the objective of the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter to obtain proper, reasonable and legal means whereby we may protect the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter from any threat caused by person(s) outside or within any chapter. It shall be the objective of any and all affiliate chapters to file in writing to the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter within 5 (five) business days; any potential that may violate this section of the constitution.

 

Section 2.02

This association shall not engage in political, religious or any activities that promote      separation rather than unity, or cause disharmony within the chapter. It is the duty of the President to cease any activity within his Chapter that may cause disagreement or        controversy in his chapter.

 

Section 2.03

No Member shall wear support apparel for any 1% club, local or national MC. There will          be NO EXCEPTIONS; any violation will result in immediate expulsion of members(s). No member shall wear any future Widows Sons logos, insignias, patches, or any item the identifies them as a Widows Sons inside a 1% clubhouse, or while associating with a 1% club

 

Section 2.04

It shall be the objective of each chapter to contribute to the relief of The widows of

Master Masons within the boundaries of their jurisdiction, by Founding a Widows Fund within their state. The proceeds of this fund shall be used solely for the purpose of contributing to the aid and relief of widows and orphans of worthy Master masons. The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall have no other charity or charities, or monetary, or fund raising devices that shall take precedence over the Widows Fund.

 

Section 2.05

It shall further be an objective of this association to receive, manage, invest, expend or   otherwise use any funds and property of this association to achieve the objectives set forth          in this constitution and for such additional purposes and objects not inconsistent               therewith as will further the interest of this association, and its members directly or indir        ectly.

 

 


Article 3. Membership

 

Section 3.01

This association shall be composed of Master Masons recognized by The Most

Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois

 

Section 3.02

Upon approval of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter petitions for membership in the Widows Sons can be accepted from those who have successfully petitioned a blue lodge recognized by The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois, upon the Lodge’s acceptance of their petition. Ea and FC Masons accepted into the Widows Sons can not vote or hold office or, in the future, wear any future trademarks, patches or items identifying them as a Widows Son until they have completed their Master Mason Degree.

 

Section 3.03

Members accepted into the Widows Sons who are not yet Master Masons are required to complete their unfinished degree work within 1 (one) year of membership. Widows Sons who are not    Master Masons and have been unable to complete their Master mason degree within 1 (one) year due to their Lodge being unable to advance them in a timely manner, must provide         their Chapter with a written explanation signed by their Lodge Secretary and Worshipful   Master.

 

Section 3.04

There shall be no restrictions applied to the membership of The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter or Affiliate Chapters in accordance with the type or make of their highway legal motorcycle a member should ride, The Illinois Founding Grand Chapter or Affiliate Chapters shall not exceed 10% of non-riding members; non- riding members have no vote on chapter activities.

 

Section 3.05

No chapter shall have in its chapter any member of a clandestine lodge.

 

Section 3.06

No Chapter shall include in their membership anyone who is a Master Mason not in good standing in the records of his lodge, or any petitioner whose petition has not been            accepted by a recognized lodge of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois.

Section 3.07

It shall be the responsibility of the President of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter to ensure the present Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois will be made an Honorary Member of the Widows Sons Illinois.

 

Section 3.08

It shall be by the order of the President of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter only, that any chapter President may waive the Initiation fee for any current Worshipful Master within their region with no obligation due to the Founding Grand Chapter.

 


Section 3.09

Each member of the Widows Sons shall have equal rights and privileges in connection with attending meetings and the participation in the deliberations of such meetings. Each         Affiliate Chapter shall have up to three (3) delegates, which shall attend one (1) meeting per            year of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter. The delegates attending the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter meeting shall discuss and vote to correct issues and resolve any disputes within the State of Illinois pertaining to or involving interpretations of the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter on state issues .  There shall be no proxy votes. These delegates shall have no power in making additions or amendments to these founding by-laws.

 

Section 3. 10

New member applications will be taken only at the monthly stated meetings. At this time         the application(s) will be turned over to the investigating committee. Upon the            committee’s investigation and their findings being reported back to the President, will the      new member application(s) be voted on by membership. This will be a thirty (30) day process and will be a majority vote by secret ballot.

 

Section 3.11

Upon acceptance of membership there will be a $90 initiation fee and a thirty (30) dollar annual dues payment due. This will cover one year membership and in the future will reserve a patch, logo, or trademark of the Widows Sons. All monies above the cost of acceptance of a new member shall be invested in the states Widows Fund.

 

Section 3. 12

For Future Reference after a patch, logo, or trademark is developed:  If for any reason a member no longer desires to be a member of the Widows Sons that member will be given ½ (one half)           of the purchase price of the Widows Sons patch, logo, or trademark when the patch, logo or trademark is returned in good condition with their membership card. Patches, logos and/or trademarks remain property of Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter.

 

 

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Article 4. Retirement

 

Section 4.01

Due to age or medical reasons a member can apply for retirement. Upon acceptance he         gives up voting rights, but can attend functions. Dues can be waived by a membership majority vote. A retiree can apply for reinstatement with majority vote of membership.

 

 

 


Article 5. Officers

 

Section 5.01

The President of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall be the General President of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association of Illinois. He shall enforce all provisions of the constitution and bylaws. The President shall have the power to establish such committees necessary, provided that there shall be an auditing committee. The President may determine the order of business and shall regulate all debates and the conduct of the members. The President or his appointee shall be the sole officer to issue charters new Grand Chapters of other States upon their promise to abide by and adhere to the Founding Intentions and Landmarks and these Founding Bylaws, and any and all issuing of new grand Chapters is reserved for the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter President or his appointee.

 

Section 5.02

A chapter petitioning for membership must have at least 7 (seven) members and maintain a membership of at (7) seven members at all times. All members of any chapter must be Master Masons with exceptions explained in Article 3 (three). The Officers of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captain, Chaplain, and two (2) appointed Trustees, a Guardian of Membership or a Sergeant at Arms. The Officers of Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall be the Grand Board of Officers for Widows Sons Illinois affiliate chapters. Officers must attend eight stated meetings per year to maintain position.

 

Section 5.03

The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall preside and perform all duties pertaining to the office of the President, except issue newly chartered Grand Chapters, and render any and all assistance as may be required.

 

Section 5.04

The Secretary shall keep current records of the proceedings of the association and shall          keep a separate account and register for each member of the association. He shall              conduct all association correspondence under the direction of the President. He shall             issue all notices when directed. He shall receive all monies paid into the Illinois Widows Sons, the Secretary shall receive any and all funds donated to the Widows Fund and shall record the amounts in the monthly financial record which shall become part of the minutes of each meeting and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt thereof.  The Secretary shall take over the duties of the President in the absence of the President and Vice President. He shall present an annual report at the annual meeting.

 

Section 5.05

The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the association, including the Widows Fund, and shall keep regular and accurate accounts of all monies received by him. He shall pay them out by the order of the President and with the consent of the association. He shall keep them in deposit in a bank in the name of the association and shall render a detailed report of the receipts and         duly established disbursements at the annual meeting and at other times as requested by           the President or by majority vote of the members present at any stated meetings. He shall keep a separate account of the Widows Fund. The Treasurer shall take over the duties of the President in the absence of the President, Vice President and Secretary.

 

 

 

 

Section 5.06

The Road Captain(s) will have the duty of ensuring that all members’ motorcycles are in compliance with Illinois State laws, and each member is condition to participate on the ride. The Road Captain will also be responsible to work with a committee and organize runs; he will also be responsible for routing the run and providing all members with directions. The road captain will also be responsible for informing others who ride with the chapter of what is expected and the intended route. The Road Captain will inform the other members when it is time to ride.

 

Section 5.07

There shall be two trustees who will serve as activity directors; they will work under the authority of the Road Captain to organize runs and assist in perform his duties. Will communicate with other future chapters, coordinate any meetings with other future Grand Chapters, and handle all public relations. If the Road Captain(s) can not participate one or both of the Trustees will perform the duties of the Road Captain. State Trustees will oversee widows business when Affiliate Chapter Trustees receive requests for aid from any widow in their state. There shall be no committees formed or appointed or allowed of non Widows Sons members to handle any of the widows business of the Widows Sons. No committees or “clubs” or social groups of wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, or any other person who is not a member of the Widows Sons should have any involvement in any widows business of the Widows Sons.

 

Section 5.08

The Guardian of Membership shall ensure that all by-laws are respected; members conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and that the intentions of the association are carried out in the best interest of the organization. He will also assist the Sgt. of Arms in the greeting all visitors and non-members.

 

Section 5.09

The Sgt. of Arms shall be responsible for accommodating visiting brethren, superintending the membership during meetings, and assisting the Guardian of Membership. The Sgt. of Arms will also accompany the President and the Vice President while on rides and events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Article 6. Election of Officers

 

 

Section 6.01

The four primary officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are in elected positions. Majority vote by secret ballot is the method of election. This election will be held in March at the stated meeting for the next year term. These four primary officers will be elected by members present to a one (1) year term. All terms are from April 1st to March 31st of the same year. If within this same year one of the four primary officers resigns there will be a special election by the members present to fill this position for the remainder of that term.

No officer shall move up, they must fulfill their obligation to the office in which they are elected.

 

Section6.02

In the event any Officer or Trustee make the decision to step down and remain a member, they shall be allowed to do so.

 

Section6.03

Officers who are unable to attend annual meetings or special elections may vote by write-in-ballot. Write-in ballots must be delivered to the secretary no later than fourteen (14) days prior to any election.

In the event any affiliate Chapter has fewer members than required, they will then be allowed 90 days to find members to fulfill the position. After 90 days of unfulfilled offices they will become part of the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter.  Concessions will be made until the membership requirement is completed. The affiliate chapter will then be re-instated.

 

Section6.04

The Road Captains, Guardian of Membership and Seargent at Arms will be appointed

Positions. Trustees will be the same.

 

Section6.05

Members interested in holding office will submit an application to the Secretary fourty-five

(45) days prior to the elections. The Secretary will announce all names at each stated meeting held before the election date.

 

 

Qualifications Section6.06

After a chapter is founded with its founding officers and has been in existence for three (3) years, any member who desires to serve in any elected position must have a minimum of two (2) years membership with the Widows Sons chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


1Articles 7. Charges and Disputes

 

Section7.01

A grievance committee will be appointed by the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter President to hear any and all charges or disputes from affiliate chapters and make report to the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter for a decision or resolution. The decision of the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter is final and no dispute of the decision will be heard.

 

A.  Whenever charges are preferred against any member or officer of an affiliate Chapter by a member of that chapter, the charges shall be filed in writing with the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter Grievance Committee.

B.  No member or officer of any Chapter shall be tried unless the Secretary, or the        Guardian-of-Membership in person, or shall serve him with a written copy of such charges specifying the nature of the offense of which he is accused. The accused shall be required to appear before the Grievance Committee for a hearing, at the time and place designated by the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter. The accused may select only one member, in good standing within his chapter, to assist him in his defense, and the charging party may select one member, in good standing with his chapter, to assist him in the presentation of evidence in support of the charges.

C.  A member of one affiliate chapter shall have the right to file charges against a member of     another separate affiliate chapter. Such charges must be filed with the Secretary of the            Illinois Founding Grand Chapter, and the Secretary will set a date for a hearing.

D.  If charges filed against any member are sustained by the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter, the members of the Chapter in question shall render judgment and impose disciplinary action. The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter shall forward a written copy of findings to the affiliate chapter.

E.  Upon the filing of charges that are of such magnitude and seriousness as to jeopardize the interests of the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter or one of its affiliate chapters The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter may suspend such member(s), officer(s) or Chapter(s), pending hearing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article 8. Meetings

 

Section8.01

The monthly stated meeting shall be held on the second Sunday of each month. The month of December shall be dark. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the President.                Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Roberts Rules of Order.                              All members are required to attend eight (8) of the eleven (11) stated meetings. Any Officer who cannot attend must notify the President, Vice-President, or Secretary of his absence.

 

Section8.02

All future affiliate chapters will have one (1) business meeting per month with a monthly report

sent to the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter Secretary.

 

 

Section8.03

The Illinois Founding Grand Chapter will send a quarterly communication to all future Chapters to distribute to the member of their Chapter.

 

 

 

Section8.04

Special business or regular stated meetings be attended by members only. Exceptions to this article can be made for Special Event meetings, non-stated or special business meetings, where guests may be invited to participate in or otherwise support the planning and execution of an event.

 

Section8.06

The meeting place and designated time can be changed when deemed necessary by the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter President or by the majority of the members of the Founding Grand Chapter.

 

Section8.09

The order of meetings should be as follows:

1.  Opening of Meeting call to order (Sgt. of Arms)

2.  Introductions of Officers (Sgt. of Arms)

3.  Opening prayer.

4.  Visitors introduced by the member who brought them if not a stated meeting.

5.  Minutes read by the Secretary, new applications read.

6.  Announcements from the Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President.

7.  New members are welcomed by all existing members at that time.

8. Then any announcements from the President will be done and any communication in

       regards to other chapters.

9. The Road Captain will then inform all members of any rides that are upcoming so that

       there can be a general vote as to participation.

10. The floor is open for any announcements.

11.  Closing prayer.

12.  Meeting room is cleaned before departure.

 

 

 

Article 9. Mandatory Runs

 

Section9.01

There shall be two (2) scheduled annual runs or events. The Sugar Run in Romeoville, Illinois and future events and fundraisers to support the Widows Fund in the future. The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter may call additional runs or events as agreed upon by the membership. It is a mandatory requirement for each member to participate therein and support the Widows Fund events, runs and fundraisers.

 

 


Article 10. Funerals

 

Section l0.01

Each future affiliated Chapter shall attend the funeral of any member of that Chapter or his immediate family. Three (3) Funeral Members shall be sent to funerals of other chapters at the expense of the chapter.

 


Article 11. Logos and Property

 

Section 11.01

The Treasurer will order, hold, and distribute, under the order of the President or his appointee, any and all future logos, patches, trademarks and all other items with the “Widows Sons” logo for the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter.

 

Section 11.02
FUTURE REGALIA

The future logo, patch or trademark shall identify the State of Illinois as the origin of the chapter on the back of black leather vest. No design for a trademark has been developed at this time, other than Grand Chapters will wear gold trimmed embroidery, Affiliate Chapters will wear silver trimmed embroidery. A  Masonic emblem of a square and compasses will be displayed over the heart on the front of the vest. Honorary Members will wear honorary logos, patches trademarks or other identification as deemed necessary at the time the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter decides to issue the same.

 

Section! 1.03

The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter has the authority to suspend officers/trustees, or revoke any Chapter. In the event the officers/trustees are suspended, or the Chapter is revoked, all of its funds, books, papers, and other properties shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter, who shall hold them for reorganization. If  no reorganization occurs within a period of six months (6), such funds shall be  transferred to the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter to be donated to the “Widows Fund”.

 

 


Article 12. Bikes and Riding Order

 

Sectionl2.01

All bikes must be on the road and attend the first run unless excused by the chapter president. Members participating in runs are required to have liability insurance, current license plates, and ensure that their bikes are street legal or conform to the State of Illinois vehicle standards.

 

Sectionl2.02

All members are responsible to maintain their bikes, and insure that they are in safe             running order.

Section 2.03

When a chase vehicle is required, the Road Captains will go over route and safety with the driver of the chase vehicle or vehicles.

 

Section 2.05

At the back of the line, the “Sgt of Arms” shall ride. If anyone breaks down, he will be responsible for communicating to the officers in the front.

 

 


Article 13. Finances

 

Section 3.01

Initiation fees for new members shall be Ninety Dollars ($90.00) payable to the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter. The dues and due dates of the Widows Sons Illinois affiliate chapter shall be set by the affiliate chapter and included in the monthly report to the Illinois Founding Grand Chapter Secretary.

 

Section 3.02

Each Chapter shall submit five-dollar ($5.00) per capita tax per member annually by the            1st day of March to the Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter to support the Widows Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Membership Pledge

 

Founding Intentions or Landmarks of the Widows Sons

 

 

To become a Widows Son, or to form a chapter of Widows Sons, you must be a Mason first. You must then promise to support the goals and purposes of the Widows Sons Organization.

The sole founding goals and purposes of the Widows Sons is to support widows and orphans of Master Masons. This will be done autonymously in each state by the founding of a Widows Fund from within the Grand Chapter of the state. This Widows Fund is the first and foremost purpose of granting a charter for any Grand Chapter. Always remember: The Widows Sons is being founded to support widows and orphans of Master Masons. No other charity or any other object of monetary support, from any Widows Sons Grand Chapter, or any affiliated chapter, or any member should take precedence over the Widows Fund which supports only widows and orphans of master Masons in its state.

The second purpose of founding the Widows Sons was to promote fellowship and unity among brother Masons who ride motorcycles.

The third purpose of the founding of the Widows Sons was to introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling and to introduce the world of motorcycling to freemasonry.

The Widows Sons shall not allow any member of any outlawed organization(s) or any motorcycle club(s) that considers it self to be a one percent club to become a member of any chapter of Widows Sons, nor will any member of the Widows Sons associate with any member(s) of any outlawed organization(s) or any motorcycle club(s) that considers it self to be a one percent club while wearing Widows Sons regalia.  

No Widows Sons Grand Chapter shall have any say, or any rule or authority over, nor any vote in the business of another Grand Chapter.  Each State Grand Chapter is autonymous of one another. Autonymous, being defined as; ruling and governing their own state business and activities in accordance with the due boundaries of Freemasonry first, then within the due boundaries of the Widows Sons founding by-laws and founding landmarks of the Widows Sons. There shall be no governing, ruling or consulting body with authority to make decisions for or to rule over the entire entity of the Widows Sons.

An established Widows Sons Grand Chapter, that is in full compliance with the Founding By-laws and Landmarks may charter another Grand Chapter in another state into existence upon the promise given by the chapter that it will adhere to these Landmarks and the Widows Sons Founding by-laws, making changes to the by-laws only necessary to resolve any conflicts in these by-laws and landmarks with their Grand Lodge by-laws, rules or edicts.  No other changes to the founding by-laws or founding landmarks should be made to appease any personal or Grand Chapter preferences.

At the time there are fifty (50) Grand Bodies of Widows Sons in the United States, Changes, alterations or amendments or additions to the Widows Sons Founding By-laws or the Founding Landmarks shall be made with a ratification vote of a ninety (90) percent majority of the fifty (50) widows Sons United States chapters voting in favor of the purposed changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                The Widows Sons Illinois Founding Grand Chapter

 

 

 

Signed on this Date: __April 27, 1998___________________

 

 

Carl A Davenport
FOUNDER

 

Signed: ________________________________

 

 

 

Robert Blixt

 

Signed ­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________

 

 

Scott Pisani

Signed _________________________________

 

 

Tony Coleman

Signed _________________________________

 

 

Jeff Burbridge

Signed _________________________________

 


Keith Coleman

 

Signed _________________________________

 


Curtis “Jelly” Buchanan


Signed ___________________________