CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS of

Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church

Clyde, NC

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the end that this body be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of Missionary Baptist Churches, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the Church, and to set forth the relationship of this body to other bodies of the same faith, we so declare and establish this constitution.

ARTICLE I. NAME

This body of believers shall be known as the Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Haywood County, North Carolina.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this body shall be to provide regular opportunities for public worship, to sustain the ordinances, doctrines, and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, to nurture its members through a program of Christian education; to channel its offerings to the support of those objects whose purpose is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and to preach and propagate among all people the gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

This church shall be missionary in spirit, extending the gospel through our organized religious channels to the entire world. It shall promote and maintain the teachings and doctrines of the Christian denomination universally known and designated as the missionary Baptist denomination.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The membership of this Church shall be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration, who have been baptized by immersion after regeneration, who have subscribed to the covenant and constitution of the Church, and who have received a majority vote of the Church.

Section 2. A member of another Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received by the vote of the church upon a letter of recommendation from that Church. The applying member will be in a watch-care relationship until letter of transfer is received from the other Church.

Section. 3. Anyone who has once been a member of a Church of like faith and order, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no regular letter of recommendation, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to the Church, and by a vote of the Church. This person will be under the watchcare of the church for 30 days, then will be accepted into full fellowship by vote of the church.

Section 4. Letters of recommendation may be granted to any Church of like faith and order for members in good standing. When letters are granted and received by another Church of like faith and order, membership in this Church is terminated, and the person has no more voice in the government of this body.

Section 5. This church will not grant letters of recommendation to any Church that is not of the same faith and order.

Section 6. When a member of this Church joins a Church of a different faith and order, membership with us is ended. The matter of his joining the other denomination must be brought to the attention of the Church in conference and note of the matter made on the Church roll, giving the date of correction. If the member or the Church receiving him request a letter, they are simply notified that we are correcting our records to show such ending of membership.

Section 7. We will not remove a person’s name from our roll when he sends word by someone to have his name removed. If he desires his name removed from the roll when no charges are preferred, he must come to the Church in conference and so state his desire or make his request over his signature in writing. His name will then be dropped by action of the Church in conference and he will be notified of the action.

Section 8. When a name is dropped from our roll by removal in letter, exclusion or by death, that name is not to be scratched out. The Church secretary will give dates and reason on the church roll.

Section 9. When a member goes into a backslidden condition and lives a life that is generally known is not a Christian life, but he goes to another Church and is reclaimed and joins that Church with a promise of a letter from this Church, upon receipt of such a request, this Church shall issue a statement indicating dates and method of joining this Church. This is instead of a regular letter.

Section 10. All changes, corrections, additions, or deletions to the membership rolls of the Church shall be brought before the church at any business conference of the Church.

Section 11. No charges are to be brought against a member until all the steps have been taken to reclaim him that Jesus gave in Matthew 18:15-17– “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But, if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every work may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” And as told to us by Paul in Galatians 6:1 “Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” If the unruly member cannot be won, then he is to be invited by the pastor, chairman of the deacons and other the Church selects to answer charges in person if he desires. If he refuses to appear, then he may be excluded by the Church, the charge made in writing and duly entered upon the minutes.

Section 12. A person may be refused or excluded from membership of the Church for any of the following two reasons:

1. Gross immorality as described in I Corinthians 6:9.

2. The teaching of heresy as described in Galatians 1:8,9; II John 10,11. The Church holds the possibility for redemption and reclamation for each person who may be refused of excluded membership in the Church.

Section 13. In the event that serious questions arise concerning the membership status of any member of the Church this matter shall be referred to the deacons for investigation and appropriate recommendations for Church action at any regular or special called business session of the Church.

Section 14. In voting, only active and participating members may vote in business transactions. Participating members are those whose whereabouts are known to the membership of the Church and attend its services and support the Church program.

Section 15. In considering the duties involved, members are expected first of all to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly the services of the Church; to give regularly and systematically to the cause of Christ; and to share in the organized work of the Church.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS

Section 1. This Church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, and fellowship.

Section 2. This Church shall hold regular business meetings every month, or more often if needed. Reports from the program organizations and specified committees shall be made and minutes kept and read at the business meetings.

Section 3. Other meetings of the Church as a whole or of authorized groups within the Church shall be set according to the needs of the congregation.

Section 4. The business meetings of the deacons shall be each month approximately one week before the monthly business meeting of the Church. Very important and special business that is to come before the church is to be discussed in the deacons’ business meeting and then presented to the church.

ARTICLE V. CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1. The ordained officers of the Church shall consist of pastor and deacons. There shall be other vocation leadership as needed such as trustees, Sunday School director, Vacation Bible School director, music director, and any others that may be needed to give efficiency in operation. All officers shall be elected by the Church and their qualification shall be:

1. A member of this Church for two years if a new Christian.

2. An active and practicing Christian for two years and a member of this church for one year.

3. Faithful to at least 8 services in every given month.

4. Uphold the constitution, covenant and proceedings of this Church.

5. Seek to fill their office with dignity and punctuality.

Section 2. Election of the various officers.

A. Pastor

The pastor is responsible for leading the Church to function as a New Testament Church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the Church staff to perform their tasks. The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries of the church, working with deacons and Church staff to: (1) lead the Church in achievement of its mission, (2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (3) care for the Church’s members and others persons in the community.

B. Deacons

The principles of service, set forth in the New Testament for deacons, will always determine his work. He will regard himself as a servant of the Church. A chairman, vice chairman and a secretary will be elected at the beginning of the Church year. He will assist in the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. He will have general oversight of the Church programs and property and supervising the financial program of the Church.

C. Trustees

The Church shall elect three members to serve on the board of trustees. These members shall be active and regular attending members of the Church and familiar with the efforts being put forth for the progress of the Church. The trustees are to be elected by the Church for an indefinite term and until their successors are duly elected by the Church in conference. The trustees are to hold in trust the title to all Church property. They shall have no powered to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the Church without a vote of the Church authorizing such action. They shall have no control over the use of the Church property except by vote of the church. Neither shall they have power to block any move of expansion of the Church when it authorizes expansion or changes.

ARTICLE VI. GENERAL

Section 1. License

When a member announces to the Church that he feels the call to the ministry, the Church, by a three-fourths majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgement of his call and worthiness and the Church’s sanction and encouragement to make preparation for the ministry. The secretary of the Church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credentials. This license is not an ordination and does not give the recipient the right to administer the ordinances or perform marriages.

Section 2. Ordination

In the event this Church is to ordain one of its members to the ministry, the following procedure shall be followed: (1) The candidate must have been called as pastor of another Baptist church of the same faith and order, and that Church makes a request to this Church for the ordination of our member that has been called a pastor. (2) The Church will express its approval by a vote of three-fourths of the members present at any regularly arranged business meeting of the Church. (3) Then the Church shall invite the associational council of ordination, if there be one, to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry. In the event it is not possible to obtain the association council of the ordination, this Church shall invite ministers from neighboring Churches to examine the candidate and report to the Church. The candidate has the right to request the presence of any minister he ede3sires to sit on the ordaining council All members of the ordaining council shall be ministers who are qualified and versed in Baptist doctrines and the Scriptures. Then in the event the report is favorable, the Church will proceed with the ordination.

Section 3. Affiliations

We recognize that there is mutual helpfulness in the association of Churches who are in such agreement in faith and practice as to encourage the spirit of fellowship and good will. We also recognize that there have been devised, through the voluntary cooperation of Churches of like faith and order, organizations whose purpose it is to implement the missionary, educational, and benevolent integrate and obligations of the individual Christian and his Church family.

Therefore, believing that the Haywood Baptist Association is an organization which has as its sole purpose the promotion and support of missions, education and benevolences of the character in keeping with the constitution and articles of faith of this Church, we agree to participate in this organization through our duly elected messengers and our support of the causes which this organization represents. Our cooperation with this organization does not mean that we surrender any part of our local self-government or obligate ourselves to support any measure this organization puts into operation that is in opposition to this constitution, articles of faith, and convictions of our membership.

Section 4. Property

It is agreed that the securing and maintaining of real property, building and equipment by this Church shall be for the express purpose of providing facilities for public worship and for the engagement upon the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests of this Church, of the character and the spirit of the constitution and articles of faith of this congregation.

Section 5. Property Holding

If at any time this Church, its leadership, or any part of this leadership shall determine to alter the quality of its beliefs and practices so as to be at variance with the character described in this constitution and these articles of faith, such decision must be made in a special business meeting called for the purpose and duly advertised and publicized for thirty days before the meeting convenes. This decision must be made by a unanimous vote of those present and voting and this number must be equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the church roll at the time of the voting. If this vote is less than unanimous and equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the roll, the property of this church shall remain in that part of the congregation that shall agree to use the property for which it was purchased and has been to that time maintained.

Section 6. Withdrawals

This Church may withdraw from affiliation with the Haywood Baptist Association to join another Baptist association of the same faith and order. This decision must be made by three-fourths of the total active membership on the Church roll at the time of the voting. This meeting having been duly advertised and publicized for thirty days in advance stating the issue that is to be considered.

Section 7. Withdrawals and Property Holding

This Church may withdraw from the Haywood Baptist Association and any conventions by a unanimous vote of those present and voting and this number must be equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the Church roll at the time of the voting. The meeting having been duly advertised and publicized for thirty days stating the issue to be considered. If this vote is less than three-fourths of the total resident membership, then the property shall remain vested in that part of the membership that desires to remain affiliated with the association and conventions, provided further that in all matters relating to its internal affairs the Church shall remain a self-governing body.

ARTICLE VII. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This constitution shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when three-fourths of the membership present and voting at a business meeting that was called to adopt it shall vote in favor of the same. This vote shall be taken not less than thirty days after the formal presentation of the constitution to the Church.

Section 2. This constitution may be amended, altered, or revised as needed by a three-fourths vote of the membership present and voting at any regular business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that such amendment, alteration, or revision must be given to the clerk in writing; and this proposed change shall be presented to the Church thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.

Bylaws

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I. MEETINGS

Section 1. The regular worship services of the Church shall be held on Sundays, morning and evening, and on Wednesday evening, unless otherwise agreed upon by the church. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on fifth Sunday mornings, or at least once a quarter. The annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held during August.

Section 2. The Church shall hold regular business meetings at least monthly, unless otherwise deemed unnecessary by the Church. Special business meetings may be called by the pastor, or the chairman of the deacons, at such time as they may be needed, with reasonable notice of time and place of the meeting given to the congregation (reasonable time would be considered one week and the notice of time and place would be given from the pulpit). The pastor shall serve as Moderator of the business meetings of the Church. In his absence, or upon his request, the chairman of deacons, or some other person chosen by the Church, may serve as Moderator.

Section 3. No items of business shall be considered in a special called business meeting except the matter, or matters, for which the meeting was called, except that by a unanimous consent other matters may be considered which were not specified in the call.

Section 4. All controversial matters shall be voted on by secret ballot. All election of officers shall be voted on by secret ballot. All expenditures over $1000 shall be voted on by secret ballot. Members may be received by a verbal or standing vote. Letters of recommendation for former members may be sent based on verbal or standing vote.

ARTICLE II. CHURCH STAFF

The church staff includes employees of the Church and the deacons.

Section 1. Pastor

Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor shall be called by the Church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor of the Church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given of the termination of the relationship, unless otherwise mutually agreed, with both pastor and the Church seeking to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The call of the pastor shall take place at a meeting especially set for that purpose of which at least one week’s notice has been given the membership. The election shall be upon the recommendation of a special committee appointed to seek out and nominate as pastor a minister of the Gospel whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of pastor of this Church. The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration of the church, and no nomination shall be made except that of the committee. Elections shall be by secret ballot with an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present and voting necessary for a call. Should the one recommended by the committee fail to receive a three-fourths vote, the committee will be instructed to seek out another minister, and the meeting shall be adjourned without debate.

The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church; he shall be ex-officio of all organizations, departments and committees; he may call a special meeting of the deacons or any other committee according to procedures which may be set forth in the by-laws; he shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to members of the Church and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to that office; he shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and shall, in cooperation with the deacons, provide for pulpit supply when he is absent, and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the Church except at otherwise provided in the by-laws. He shall be administrative head of the Church.

Section 2. Custodian/Janitor

The custodian/janitor shall be responsible for maintaining buildings and grounds in a clean and orderly condition. The custodian/janitor’s job is as flexible or as rigid as that of any housekeeping job.

ARTICLE III. CHURCH OFFICERS

There shall be several officers in the Church in addition to the pastor, ministerial staff and deacons which are only elected and not ordained. They are Treasurer, Sunday School Director, Music Director, Church Secretary, Vacation Bible School Director, Pianist, and others as deemed necessary by the Church leadership and pastor. These offices need to work with the nominating committee to select program teachers and leaders.

Section 1. Deacons

1. General

There shall be at least five deacons for the first 150 members, and as many others thereafter as the church deems necessary. These shall be elected from among those members who have proven themselves to have scriptural qualification. They shall be elected by a three-fourths affirmative vote of those members present. They shall be elected by secret ballot. The deacons shall elect annually their chairman.

Deacons shall at all times consider themselves as servants of the Church with the pastor, and as the Holy Spirit may direct, they are to consider and make recommendations to the Church in all matters pertaining to its work and progress; including oversight of the discipline of the church; establish and maintain spiritual fraternal relations with all members of the church; assisting the pastor in the observances of the ordinances; having general oversight of the upkeep, repair, and use of the Church property; and supervising the financial program of the Church. They shall arrange for regular meetings and such committees as are necessary to discharge their duties. The pastor, or the chairman of the deacons, may call the deacons into special session whenever need for such arises.

2. Qualifications

a. Active and participating male member of the Church for at least two years, or one who has been ordained as a deacon and has formerly served in a Baptist Church, and has been a member of THIS church for one year, and voted upon by the Church with three-fourths majority.

b. Twenty-one years of age and above

c. Seek by God’s help to consistently conduct his life according to the Church’s approved covenant.

d. Possess a knowledge of the Church’s total programs of ministry and their relationship to world missions.

e. Have given evidence that their lives are consistent with the requirements of deacons as set forth in Acts 6:1-3 and I Timothy 3:8-13.

Section 2. Board of Directors

At the time of writing of this Constitution and these By-Laws, a deacon board was not in place at Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church. Rather, a Board of Directors, elected by the church on a yearly basis, serves with the pastor as church leadership. This Board of Directors is to be completely annulled and this special provision completely eliminated once a Deacon Board is implemented fully.

The Board of Directors is to fulfill the duties of a Deacon Board as outlined in this Constitution and By-Laws, with the following exceptions:

The members of the Board of Directors are not deacons and are thus not required to meet the Scriptural requirements for deacons.

The members of the Board of Directors are not ordained, and are thus not qualified to assist the pastor with the ordinances of the church. In the event that an ordained deacon is a member of the church, in good standing, he will be eligible to assist with the ordinances.

A member of the Board of Directors may resign his position on the Board of Directors at any time without compromising his church standing.

Section 3. Treasurer

The treasurer shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the treasure to receive, keep in hand, and disburse by check, upon proper authority, all money or things of value that are given to the Church, and to keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements; rendering an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements since the last business meeting, at each regular business meeting. The treasurer’s books may be audited as arranged by the Church, and all books, records, and accounts kept by him or her shall be considered the property of the Church. The treasurer shall upon invitation meet with the deacons, and shall be an ex-officio member of the finance committee. When the treasurer leaves office all books shall be audited. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for keeping an accurate record of money given by check or envelope, and should issue yearly statements at the end of each calendar year for tax purposes.

Section 4. Church Secretary

The Church Secretary shall be elected annually. It shall be their duty to attend, or to be represented at, all Church business meetings, to keep accurate record of all business transactions and meeting proceedings. The Secretary shall issue letters of dismissal as authorized by the Church and to preserve a true history of the Church in their minutes that are entered in their record book. It shall also be the duty of the Secretary to see that an accurate roll of the Church membership is kept, with dates and methods of receiving o recommending of members. Dates of death are to be entered. The Secretary is to be careful to enter the correct names of girls and ladies who change their names by marriage. There is also to be an assistant to be acting when the Secretary is not present. The Secretary or assistant should be present at all services to keep accurate record of members coming into the church.

Section 5. Sunday School Director

The director of the Sunday School shall have general oversight of the entire school and shall administer its affairs in approval of the Church. He should acquaint himself with the best methods of training and endeavor to adopt them in his school. It shall be his duty to counsel with his teachers and officers in the work of the school, giving advice and receiving suggestions from his co-workers. He shall see that a full and accurate report of the work is given in regular business meetings of the Church.

Section 6. Music Director

The Music Director shall be responsible for providing worshipful music at all services. He or she is to direct the choir or choirs, in practice and public singing, and is to cooperate with the pastor and other leaders in the selection of suitable music, and to devise appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed.

Section 7. Pianist

The pianist is responsible to the Music Director. He or she is responsible to play for all worship services and accompany the choirs as directed by the Music Directors.

Section 8. Vacation Bible School Director

The Vacation Bible School Director is responsible for organizing, supervising, and overseeing the yearly Vacation Bible School ministry of this church. He or she is responsible for submitting a proposed budget to the Finance Committee for review and approval by the church, and for insuring that the budget is followed. He or she is responsible for curriculum and theme decisions, purchasing all necessary items, and for selecting and training teachers and leaders. He or she is also responsible for promotions and coordination with local businesses who choose to support the ministry. The Vacation Bible School Director is responsible to the Pastor and is expected to report to the church as to plans for the ministry on regular intervals.

ARTICLE IV. STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Number of Committees

The Church shall elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the program of the Church efficiently and effectively. In any event, the Church shall at all times have the following standing committees: Nominating, Budget and Finance, Building and Grounds.

Section 2. Election of Committees

The Nominating Committee shall nominate to the Church in its annual business meeting persons to serve for the succeeding year on the standing committees. The Church will then elect the personnel of the several committees.

Section 3. Duties of Committees

A. Nominating Committee: This committee consists of the Sunday School Director, two deacons, two women, and one youth, male or female. They shall offer a list of nominees to the Church in the regular business meeting in August of each year.

B. Budget and Finance Committee: This committee shall meet quarterly, or at other regular intervals, to consider the financial condition of the Church and shall make regular reports of the sane to the Church in business meetings. This committee shall prepare annually a proposed budget including local expenses, education, missions and benevolences, and shall submit same to the Church in regular business session at least one month prior to the beginning of the budget year. In preparing the budget, the committee shall confer with the head of each organization of the church. There shall be a minimum of three members – the Treasurer, one deacon, and one woman.

C. Building and Grounds Committee: It will be the duty of this committee to give attention to and study the condition and state of repair and appearance of the buildings and grounds of the Church property, making such repairs and improvements as authorized by the Church and included in the Church budget. All matters of major repair or improvements and items of equipment shall be referred to the Finance Committee for recommendation to the Church. This committee shall be responsible for supervising the work of the custodian/janitor, lawn mowing personnel, and all others persons employed or volunteering in the capacity of caring for the building and grounds.

ARTICLE V. SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Section 1. Special committees may be elected for specific obligation as described by the Church. Those committees shall be elected by the Church.

ARTICLE VI. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These by-laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when a three-fourths majority of the members present at the business meeting at which time vote is taken shall vote in favor of same.

Section 2. Any of the rules in these by-laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a three-fourths majority vote of the members present at any business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that notice and proposal of such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the Church Secretary in writing, and this proposed change shall be presented to the Church at least thirty days prior to the time vote is taken.

ARTICLE VII. EFFECT AND DISTRIBUTION

Section 1. The adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws shall effect a repeal of all previously adopted rules in conflict herewith.

Section 2. A copy of this Constitution and By-laws shall at all times be kept by the Secretary among his or her records, and another copy shall be kept in the church. A copy shall be available to all the members. All amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after passage by the Church, be prepared by the Secretary or a person appointed by the Secretary and revised versions shall be placed in all required locations and made available to the members as soon as is possible.

RULES OF ORDER

For the conduct of Church business meetings. “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING

I. Items usually considered in a Regular Business Meeting.

1. Prayer and meditation.

2. Reading of minutes of previous meeting.

3. Report of Church Treasurer.

4. Report of other Church officers: Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other organizations.

5. Unfinished business. (A motion to consider is not necessary. The matter is before the Church and should be acted upon unless a motion to postpone is acted upon.)

6. Report of committees. (These reports should be adopted, together with any amendments that may be made unless a motion to postpone be carried. In such case, such reports remain as unfinished business for the next meeting.)

7. New business. (It is the privilege of any member to present any matter which, in his or her judgment, should claim the attention of the Church. But such procedure is usually unwise unless the one presenting the matter is prepared to make a motion to consider the matter, and unless counsel of others has previously been sought.)

a. Consideration of recommendations of the Deacons.

b. Authorization of expenditure of money.

c. The acceptance of resignations and employment of new workers.

d. Consideration of new buildings and repair and replacements.

8. The granting of letters of transfer or dismissal.

II. Procedures to be followed concerning reports, motions, resolutions, etc.

1. A matter may not be discussed until a motion has been made and duly seconded; and, unless withdrawn by the one making and the one seconding it must be voted on.

2. During the discussion of a motion a new motion dealing with another subject matter may not be presented.

3. An amendment to a motion changes neither the meaning nor the purpose of the original motion. It is concerned with method, clarification, time, place, persons, etc. At time and amendment, or and amendment to and amendment, has the effect of changing the meaning and purpose of the original motion. In such cases it is the duty of the moderator to rule that the adoption of such amendment, or amendments, would in effect deny the meaning and purpose of the original motion and consequently is out of order. In such an event, unless the ruling of the moderator is overruled by an appeal to the floor, a substitute motion would be in order.

4. When an amendment to a motion is accepted by the mover, no vote on the amendment is necessary. When, therefore, an amendment is accepted or voted upon, then the motion to adopt the original motion, following a free discussion, is in order.

5. There are other motions which are always in order when a matter is under discussion. These are:

a. A motion to “lay on the table”.

b. “To commit to a committee”.

c. “To postpone action”.

d. “To call for the previous question “.

e. “To adjourn”.

f. “To reconsider”.

None of these motions can be made or acted upon while a member is speaking or a vote is being taken. Such motions are always in order, but it is always most unwise to make use of them. (Comments on each type as listed above follows.)

COMMENTS:

a. The effect of a motion “ to lay on the table” is to postpone action; and once a motion is laid on the table, it may be considered at a subsequent meeting, but as though it was new business. Such a motion is not debatable unless some mention of time, place, or purpose forms a part of the motion.

b. The effect of a motion to “commit to a committee” is to postpone action in the belief that the matter under discussion merits further study. It means that the maker of such a motion, and those who are inclined to favor, believe that careful study by a small group would be profitable to all.

c. A motion to “postpone action” on a matter differs from that of a motion “to commit to a committee” to study only to the extent that a committee to study is not provided in the matter.

d. A “call for the previous question” is a call for the cessation of debate and immediate action on the motion before the body. It should be used sparingly in a democratic body because the effect of it is to deny full debate to what may be a large minority. When such a motion is made, the moderator may say, “shall the main question not be put?” If the vote is affirmative the motion without further debate must be accepted (acted?) upon by the body. Such a motion is not open to debate unless the original motion contains some condition as to time, place, or purpose.

e. The effect of a motion “to adjourn” is to cut off further debate without any opportunity for a vote. Such a motion should not often be made in a democratic body. It is not debatable unless there is in the motion some conditions as to time, place, or purpose. However, if the body decides to adjourn at a given time, it is the duty of the moderator, without a motion, to adjourn the meeting when the hour arrives.

f. A motion “to reconsider” has a reference to a motion which has been formerly adopted. Such a motion can be made only by a person who voted with the majority when the original motion was passed. If such a motion prevails, the original motion is before the body as though it had never been acted upon.

6. Any member has a right to appeal from the decision of the moderator, although such an action should be rare. In such a case the moderator should say, “shall the appeal be sustained?” If a majority votes to sustain the moderator, then the ruling stands. If a majority does not vote to sustain, then the ruling made by the moderator does not stand. It is the business and duty of a moderator to call to order any member who is in debate or otherwise violates any regular rule or order. Moreover, any member has a right to make a point of order if in his or her judgment the moderator has failed to observe, or has wrongly interpreted recognized rules of order or procedure. In this even the moderator may refuse to recognize the point or order as raised . Then in such an event an appeal to his decision as outlines above may be made.

III. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

1. In stating a motion, or when one is being made and acted upon, the moderator should stand.

2. In the event of a “tie vote” the moderator may vote or decline to vote. If he declines the matter is decided in the negative.

3. No member is entitled to speak on a matter or a motion preparatory to making a motion unless he or she is explaining why in his or her judgment such a motion should be made. However, it is better to make a motion, get a second to it, and then explain the motion.

4. In case there are several nominees for an office, the moderator should call first for a vote on the nominees last named, and so on.

5. All reports from committees, and all motions and resolutions of any considerable length should be written out and handed to the Secretary.