TN-SR Constitution and Bylaws (Revision of February 26, 2000)
Page
THREE SOCIETIES
There are three societies composed of men who had ancestors living in this country at the time of the Revolutionary War.
FIRST. The Society of the Cincinnati was organized in 1783 by Washington and his associate officers in order to foster friendly relations between all classes, to promote and cherish union and honor between the respective states, and to unite them under a constitution that would forever safeguard American institutions. In order to insure loyal and efficient organization through which an army of defense might easily be mobilized in case of necessity, the membership in this Society was restricted to officers who had held commissions in the Continental Army. This Society is perpetuated through a continuous line of descent passing from eldest son to eldest son.
SECOND. Convinced that organized patriotic efforts should keep pace with the growth of our country, and believing it would be unwise to make provision therefore through a change in the Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati, members of that Society, in 1875, took steps that brought about the organization, February 22, 1876, of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, membership therein being restricted to men who had at least one ancestor who was aggressively engaged in important constructive service in behalf of American Independence during the Revolutionary War.
THIRD. Failing to induce the Society of the Sons of the Revolution to make its membership requirements less restrictive, a group of persons in 1889 organized the Sons of the American Revolution, admitting to membership therein not only those who were eligible to membership in the Society of the Cincinnati and the Sons of the Revolution, but also persons whose only claim for consideration was that an ancestor, sometime during the Revolutionary period, served as a Selectman, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, signed the Association Test, took the Oath of Fidelity, took the Oath of Allegiance, served on a Coroner's Jury, or did any of several other similar things, which, instead of being specifically mentioned in their Constitution, are provided for under the term of "recognized patriots."
A Brief History
Following the organization of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution in New York on February 22, 1876, similar Societies were formed in several of the States, and finally a national organization was perfected on April 19, 1890, under the name of The General Society of the Sons of the Revolution, with headquarters in New York City. The General Society embraces the various State organizations, and the objects, government, work and requirements for all the Societies are the same. The society is now well established in the various States.
The Tennessee Society was organized on November 24, 1894, at Knoxville, with much enthusiasm on the part of the fifteen charter members, namely:
James Van Deventer John D. Caldwell
Harper L. Chamberlain Chas. W. Hudson
F. F. Van Deventer O. P. Temple
Horace Van Deventer Joshua Holbrook
H. F. Van Deventer Henry Hudson
W. P. Chamberlain Hazen House
Joshua W. Caldwell W. P. Washburn
Geo. W. Henderson
The objects are described in the Preamble to the Constitution, a study of which is commended to all members of the Society.
Preamble
It being evident from a steady decline of the proper celebration of the National holidays of the United States of America, that popular concern in the events and men of the War of the Revolution is gradually declining, and that such lack of interest is attributable, not so much to the lapse of time and the rapidly increasing flood of immigration from foreign countries, as to the neglect, on the part of the descendants of Revolutionary heroes, to perform their duty in keeping before the public mind the memory of the services of their ancestors and of the times in which they lived; therefore, the Society of the Sons of the Revolution has been instituted to perpetuate the memory of the men, who in the military, naval and civil service of the Colonies and of the Continental Congress by their acts or counsel, achieved the independence of the country, and to further the proper celebration of the anniversaries of the birthday of Washington, and of prominent events connected with the War of the Revolution; to collect and secure for preservation the rolls, records, and other documents relating to that period; to inspire the members of the Society with the patriotic spirit of their forefathers; to promote the feeling of friendship among them.
Purposes and Name of Society
For these same purposes, this State Society has been organized under the name, style and title of SOCIETY Of The SONS OF THE REVOLUTION, In The STATE OF TENNESSEE. This Society shall be organized and operated as a non-profit Corporation under the provisions of Tennessee State law and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it now exists or may be amended. In the event of dissolution of the Society, either by operation of law or by action of the Board of Managers, after payment of all creditors, its assets shall be distributed to the General Society of Sons of the Revolution for its general purposes provided that it or its successor is in active existence as an exempt organization under the United States Internal Revenue Code and shall accept the distribution of such assets. In the event that the General Society of Sons of the Revolution or its successor shall be unable or unwilling to accept the distribution, the assets shall be distributed to a public foundation engaged in charitable or educational endeavors and duly qualified as an exempt organization under the United States Internal Revenue Code, as the Board of Managers may determine.
ARTICLE II
Membership
SECTION A (Eligibility): Any person of good character and a descendant of one who, as a military, naval or marine officer, soldier, sailor or marine, in actual service, under the authority of the thirteen Colonies or States of the Continental Congress, and remaining always loyal to such authority, or a descendant of one who signed the Declaration of Independence, or of one who, as a member of the Continental Congress or of the Congress of any of the Colonies or States, or as an official appointed by or under the authority of any such legislative bodies, actually assisted in the establishment of American Independence by services rendered during the War of the Revolution, becoming thereby liable to conviction of treason against the Government of Great Britain, but remaining always loyal to the authorities of the Colonies or States, shall be eligible for membership in the society.
SECTION B (Classes of Membership):
Any male person who has attained age 18 shall be eligible for ADULT membership. Adult members shall be designated as follows: (a) Active; (b) Life; (c) Senior; (d) Inactive; or such other classifications as the Board of Managers from time to time may designate.
(2) Any male person who has not attained age 18 shall be eligible for JUNIOR membership. Upon attaining age 18, a Junior member shall accede automatically to Adult membership and have all the benefits, privileges and responsibilities of an Adult member.
SECTION C (Definitions of Designated Classes):
ACTIVE members shall be those Adult members who pay dues currently;
LIFE members shall be those Adult members who have paid in full the Life member stipend as determined by the Board of Managers;
SENIOR members shall be those Adult members who shall have attained age 75 and who shall have paid dues continuously for at least 25 years;
INACTIVE members shall be those Adult members who are on a current dues-paying basis but who are more than two years in arrears in payment of their dues. In the event that the Board of Managers shall authorize the establishment of another membership classification, the Board shall provide a definition of such new classification.
SECTION D (Voting Rights of Members): Only Active, Life and Senior Adult members shall be accorded the privilege of voting on matters which come before the general membership.
ARTICLE III
Officers
The Officers of this Society shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Registrar, a Treasurer and a Chaplain, who shall be chosen from among the members in good standing, by a majority of the voters present at every annual meeting.
Elected officers shall serve until the election and induction of their successors.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Managers
The Board of Managers of the Society shall not be less than sixteen (16) in number, namely: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Chaplain, and the Immediate Past President, Ex-Officio; and nine (9) or more other members who shall be chosen by a majority of voters present at every annual meeting from among the members of the Society. Presidents of auxiliary Chapters shall be Ex-Officio members also.
The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies occurring in its numbers.
ARTICLE V
Admission of Members
Every application for membership shall be made in writing, subscribed by the applicant and approved by two members over their signatures. Applications shall contain or be accompanied by proof of eligibility, and such applications and proofs shall be submitted to the Board of Managers, who shall have full power to determine the qualifications of the applicant.
Payment of the initiation fees and subscription to the declaration required by the Constitution of this Society shall be prerequisites for membership.
ARTICLE VI
Declaration
Every member shall declare upon honor that he will endeavor to promote the purposes of this institution and observe the Constitution and Bylaws of this Society, and, if he be a citizen of the United States, shall declare that he will support the Constitution of the United States. Such declaration shall be in writing and subscribed to by the member making it.
ARTICLE VII
Organization of Chapters
It shall be a purpose of the Society to assist in organizing auxiliary Chapters throughout its jurisdiction. Not more than one such Chapter shall exist in any one County. The Board of Mangers shall have the authority to recognize any auxiliary Chapter when at least ten (10) members of the Society living in the County where the auxiliary is to be established apply to the Board of Managers for recognition as such a chapter.
ARTICLE VIII
Subjects Prohibited
No questions involving religious doctrine, or the party politics of the day within the United States, shall ever be discussed or considered in any meeting of this Society.
ARTICLE IV
Commemorations
It shall be a standing regulation that the members shall, when practicable, hold a commemorative celebration, and dine together at least once in every year.
ARTICLE X
Seal
The Seal of the Society shall be identical with or similar to the Seal used by the General Society, Sons of the Revolution.
ARTICLE XI
Insignia
The Society shall have an insignia, which shall be a badge suspended from a ribbon by a ring of gold; the badge to be elliptical in form, with escalloped edges, one and one-quarter inches in length, and one and one-eighth inches in width; the whole surmounted by a gold eagle, with wings displayed, inverted; on the obverse side, a medallion of gold in the center, elliptical in form, bearing on its face the figure of a soldier in Continental uniform, with musket slung; beneath, the figures 1775; the medallion surrounded by thirteen raised gold stars of five points each upon a border of dark blue enamel. On the reserve side, in the center, a medallion corresponding in form to that on the obverse, and also in gold, bearing on its face the Houdon portrait of Washington in bas-relief, encircled by the legend, "Sons of the Revolution"; beneath, the figures 1883; and upon the reverse of the eagle the number of the badge to be engraved; the medallion to be surrounded by a plain gold border, conforming in dimensions to the obverse; the ribbon shall be dark blue, ribbed and watered, edged with buff, one and one-quarter inches wide, and one and one-half inches in displayed length. The members may wear the insignia of the Society on all occasions when they assemble as such for any stated purpose or celebration; it shall be carried conspicuously on the left breast, but members who are or have been officers of the Society may wear the insignia suspended from a ribbon around the neck. The Treasurer of the Society shall procure and issue the insignia to the members, and shall keep a record of all issued by him. Such insignia shall be returned to the Treasurer of the Society by any member who may formally withdraw, or resign, or be expelled, but otherwise it shall be deemed an heirloom. On occasions when the members assemble as such for any stated purpose or celebration, they may wear, in lieu of the insignia, a rosette of the prescribed ribbon and pattern in the upper buttonhole on the left lapel of the coat. The Treasurer shall procure and issue the rosettes to the members.
ARTICLE XII
Amendments
The Constitution of this Society shall be subject to amendment only in the following manner:
(a) Any member may propose an amendment to this Constitution by presenting the proposed amendment in written form at any meeting of the Society or at any meeting of the Board of Managers. No vote or other formal action shall be necessary at the meeting at which the proposed amendment is presented.
(b) The proposed amendment shall receive the favorable vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the Society held at least thirty days after the presentation of the proposed amendment in the manner prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article. No proposed amendment shall be voted on by the Society at any meeting, either regular or special, unless the notice of such meeting shall contain a statement that a proposed amendment to the Constitution is to be considered at said meeting. No proposed amendment that is duly voted on as herein provided at a meeting of the Society and that fails to receive the minimum vote required for adoption, shall again be voted on by the Society unless and until presented again in the manner prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article.
BYLAWS
Section 1: Fees and Dues
The
initiation fees and dues for all classes of membership shall be set
by the Board of Managers and may be changed from time to time as the
Board of Managers deems to be prudent and appropriate. The fees/dues
for Life membership shall be a one-time amount and may be graduated
according to the age of the Life member applicant. The
fees/dues for Junior membership, which are to be paid in one sum,
shall be calculated by the following formula: Initiation fee + ((the
difference in the applicant's age and age 18)
x 75% of current dues). [Deleted
February 2009]
The dues for each year shall be due and payable on or before February 15 of said year. The Board of Managers may fix an additional charge for attending banquet meetings to defray the cost thereof, or may pay the cost of such banquet meetings from the dues or other funds of the Society. In the event of the extended illness or other disability of a member, either the Society or the Board of Managers may waive dues for past years and for the current year, but this power to waive dues shall not extend to years subsequent to the year in which such waiver is voted.
Section 2: Annual Meetings
The annual meetings of the Society shall be held on the 22nd day of February (except when that day is impractical, the meeting may be held on another day selected by the Board of Managers), at which a general election of officers and managers shall take place. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the time and place of meetings shall be determined by the Board of Managers. Special meetings shall be held by direction of the Board of Managers, or upon the written request of nine members of the Society, at such time and place as said Board may direct. At such special meetings no business shall be transacted except such as shall be specified in the notice therefore. Notice of time and place of special meetings shall be given by mailing a written or printed notice to every member of the Society at least thirty (30) days before the date of the proposed meeting.
The meetings of the Society for business shall be conducted generally according to Robert's Rules of Order, and the following Order of Business shall, as far as it may be applicable, be followed:
Order of Business
1. Invocation
2. Reading of minutes of previous meeting(s).
3. Elections, when in order.
4. Reports, in the following order:
(a) of the Board of Managers;
(b) of the officers;
(c) of committees.
5. General business of the meeting in the following order:
(a) unfinished business;
(b) specifically noticed business;
(c) miscellaneous business.
6. Notices of action to be voted upon at subsequent meetings.
7. Reading of the preamble to this Constitution.
Section 3: Quorum
At all meetings of the Society twenty-five (25) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
All voting shall be by person in presence and not by proxy. Ayes and Nays shall be called at any meeting of the Society upon the demand of five (5) members.
Section 4: President
The President, or in his absence, the Vice President, or in their absence a Chairman pro tempore, shall preside at all meetings of the Society or of the Board of Managers, and shall exercise the usual functions of a presiding officer under general parliamentary rules, subject to an appeal to the Society in proper cases under those rules. The President shall be Ex Officio a member of all committees other than the Committee on Nominations. He shall have power to convene the Board of Managers and appoint a place of such meeting when called by him. He shall also perform such other representative duties on behalf of the Society, either personally or by correspondence, as it or the Board of Managers may find desirable or necessary, or as customarily appertain to his office; and he shall enforce a strict observance of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society. In case of his decease, resignation, neglect to serve or inability from any cause to act as President, the duties of the office shall devolve upon the Vice President, until the vacancy caused by such decease, resignation or neglect to serve shall be filled, or until the inability shall cease.
Section 5: Secretary
The Secretary shall conduct the general correspondence of the Society and keep a record thereof. He shall notify all qualified and accepted candidates of their admission, and perform such other duties as the Society or the Board of Managers or his office may require of him. He shall have charge of the Seal, Certificates of Incorporation, Bylaws, Historical and other documents and records of the Society other than those required to be deposited with the Registrar, and shall affix the Seal to each properly authenticated certificate of membership and transmit it without delay to the member to whom it shall have been issued, or to his proper representative. He shall also notify the Registrar of all admissions to membership, and transmit to him the applications and proofs of eligibility of all persons so admitted. He, together with the presiding officer, shall when necessary certify all acts of the Society, and in proper cases authenticate them under seal. He shall have charge of all printing and publications directed by the Society, or by the Board of Managers. He shall give due notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Society and of the Board of Managers, and shall attend the same. He shall keep fair and accurate records of all the proceedings and orders of the Society and of the Board of Managers, and shall give notice to the several officers of all votes, orders, resolves and proceedings of the Society or of the Board of Managers affecting them or appertaining to their respective duties; and at the annual meetings, or more often, if required, shall report to the Society the names of those candidates who have been admitted to membership, and also the names of those members whose resignations or voluntary withdrawals have been consented to and accepted; and also the names of those members who have been expelled or dropped for nonpayment of dues or for failure to substantiate claims of descent. In his absence from any meeting, a secretary pro tempore may be designated therefore.
In addition, the Board of Managers at its discretion may elect a member to assist the Secretary, such member to be titled "Assistant Secretary." His duties shall be those which the Board of Managers and the Secretary designate by mutual agreement.
Section 6: Board of Managers
The Board of Managers shall judge the qualifications of every candidate who shall make proper application for admission to the Society, and shall have power to admit him to membership therein if found eligible under the Constitution of this Society. All votes upon such eligibility shall be by secret ballot, unless the requirement of a secret ballot be waived by unanimous vote of the members of the Board in attendance. Two negative votes shall be a rejection of the applicant. It may through the Secretary call special meetings of the Society at such times as it may see fit, and it may arrange for commemorative celebrations by the Society. It shall recommend plans to the Society for promoting its purposes, and when practicable may digest and prepare business for its meetings, and shall supervise all publications issued in its name, and decide whether copies of records or other documents or papers may be furnished on request of any party in cases not pertaining directly to the business of the Society and the proper conduct of its affairs.
The affairs of the Society at all times shall be conducted in such a manner that the Society continues to qualify for exemption from tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Board of Managers shall not permit any part of the net earnings or capital of the Society to inure to the benefit of any member, officer or other private person or individual.
The Board of Managers shall cause to be secured an annual audit of the accounts of the Society with appropriate balance sheets, revenue and expense accounts, and other statements by either a Certified Public Accountant or by an auditing committee appointed by the Board for such purpose.
It shall superintend generally the interests and shall have control and management of the affairs and funds of the Society. It shall also perform such duties as may be prescribed by any standing rule or resolve of the Society. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that it shall at no time be required to take any action or contract any debt for which it shall be jointly or severally liable. It shall be competent to consent to and accept the resignation or voluntary withdrawal from membership of any enrolled member of the Society. It may require the attendance of any member of the Society, or any official or committee thereof, at any meeting for consultation or advice. The Board of Managers shall meet as often as it may desire, or at the call of the President, or upon the written request of any three members of said Board addressed to the Secretary. A majority of the Board of Managers shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. At every annual meeting it shall submit such reports as may be required by the Society.
Section 7: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall collect and keep the funds and securities of the Society, and shall deposit them in some depository or depositories which shall be designated by the Board of Managers, in the name of and to the credit of the Society, and such funds shall be drawn thence on the check of the Treasurer for the purposes of the Society only.
The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Society. Out of these funds he shall pay such funds only as may be ordered by the Society or the Board of Managers, and shall perform such other duties as the Society or the Board of Managers or his office may require of him. He shall keep a true account of his receipts and payments, and at each annual meeting shall render a statement thereof, as well as a full statement of the financial condition of the Society, when a committee shall be appointed to audit his accounts. The Treasurer shall file, or cause to be filed, all tax and other related returns or forms that may be required by law.
The Treasurer shall assist with the preparation of an annual budget showing the expected revenue and expenditures. He shall render to the President and the Board of Managers, whenever either of them so requests, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer, and of the financial condition of the Society.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Bylaws, any sale or transfer of any security or real property held in the name of the Society shall be valid only if signed by the Treasurer and one other officer of the Society.
The Treasurer shall give the Society a bond, or other similar instrument, if required by the Board of Managers, in a sum, and with one or more sureties, satisfactory to the Board of Managers, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Society in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys, computer records and other properties of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging the Society.
In addition, the Board of Managers at its discretion may elect a member to assist the Treasurer, such member to be titled "Assistant Treasurer." His duties shall be those which the Board of Managers and the Treasurer designate by mutual agreement.
Section 8: Registrar
The Registrar shall receive from the Secretary, file and keep of record all the proofs upon which memberships have been granted, declarations of members, on admission, to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society, together with the list of all diplomas countersigned by him, and all documents, rolls, or other evidences of service in the War of the Revolution of which the Society may become possessed; and he, under the direction of the Board of managers, shall make or cause to be made for file in his office, copies of such original or certified documents as the owners thereof may not be willing to leave permanently in the keeping of the Society.
In addition, the Board of Managers at its discretion may elect a member to assist the Registrar, such member to be titled "Assistant Registrar." His duties shall be those which the Board of Managers and the Registrar designate by mutual agreement.
Section 9: Chaplain
The Chaplain shall be a regularly ordained minister of a Christian denomination, and shall perform such duties as ordinarily appertain to such office.
Section 10: Historian
The Board of Managers shall have power annually to appoint a Historian, who shall keep a detailed record to be deposited with the Registrar of all historical and commemorative celebrations of the Society, and he shall edit and prepare for publication such addresses, essays, papers and other documents of a historical character, other than a register of members, as the Secretary may be required to publish, and at every annual meeting, if there shall be a necrological list for the year then closing, he shall submit such list, with carefully prepared biographies of the deceased members.
The President shall appoint annually three members of the Society as a Committee on Admissions, whose duty it shall be to pass upon the qualifications of applicants for admission to the Society and report to the Board of Managers.
Section 12: Expulsion and Suspension
The Board of Managers shall have power to expel any enrolled member of this Society who, by conduct unbecoming a gentleman and man of honor, or by an opposition to the interests of the community in general or of this Society in particular, may render himself unworthy to continue as a member; or who shall persistently transgress or without good excuse willfully neglect or fail in the performance of any obligation enjoined by the Constitution, Bylaws or any standing rule of this Society, provided that such member shall receive at least ten (10) days notice in writing of the complaint preferred against him, and of the time and place of a hearing, and have been thereby afforded an opportunity to be heard in person.
Whenever the cause of expulsion shall not have involved turpitude or moral unworthiness, any member thus expelled may, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Managers, but not otherwise, be restored to membership by the Society at any meeting. The Board of Managers shall have power to drop from the roll the name of any member of the Society who shall be two or more years in arrears in the payment of dues, and who on notice to pay the same shall fail to do so within thirty (30) days. The membership in the Society of a person thus dropped shall thereupon terminate. However, any person dropped from membership for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated at any time by the favorable vote of the Board of Managers on his application therefore, provided such applicant pays a reinstatement fee of one year's dues in arrears in addition to the dues for the year in which the reinstatement occurs. Any member whose dues are delinquent for more than two years and who has not been dropped from the Society for non-payment of dues, may be returned to good standing upon the favorable vote of the Board of Managers and the payment of one year's dues in arrears and the dues for the current year, the Board of Managers being hereby authorized to waive the payment of other delinquent dues upon such payment being made.
A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the entire Board of Managers shall be required to suspend or expel an officer or member under the provision of this Section.
Section 13: Resignations
No resignation or voluntary withdrawal from membership by any member enrolled in this Society shall become effective as a release from the obligations thereof unless consented to and accepted by the Board of Managers.
Section 14: Disqualification
No person who may be enrolled as a member of this Society shall be permitted to continue in membership when the proofs of claim of qualification by descent shall be found to be defective or insufficient to substantiate such claims, or not properly authenticated; the Society or the Board of Manager may at any time after thirty (30) days notice to such person to properly substantiate or authenticate his claim, require the Secretary to erase his name from the list of members, and such person shall thereupon cease to be a member, provided he shall have failed to or neglected to comply satisfactorily with such notice. When the Board of Managers shall direct the erasure of a person's name for a cause comprehended under this Section, such person shall have a right of appeal to the next annual meeting of the Society, but he shall not be restored to membership unless by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members present on that occasion, or at a subsequent meeting to which the consideration of the appeal may have been postponed specifically.
Section 15: Vacancies and Terms of Office
Whenever an officer of this Society shall die, resign or neglect to serve or be suspended or be unable to perform properly the duties of his office, by reason of absence, sickness or other causes, and whenever an office shall be vacant which the Society shall not have filled by an election, the Board of Managers shall have the power to appoint a member to such office, pro tempore, who shall act in such capacity until the Society shall elect a member to the vacant office, or until the inability due to "suspension, absence, sickness or other cause" shall cease. PROVIDED, however, that the office of President shall not be thus filled by the Board of Managers when there shall be a Vice President to enter upon the duties of such office. In case any member of the Board of Managers, other than an officer, shall be absent from three consecutive regular meetings of said board, and without an excuse satisfactory to it, his place therein may be declared vacant by the Board of Managers, and filled by an appointment which shall continue in full effect until the Society shall elect a successor. Subject to these provisions all officers of the Society, and the members of the Board of Managers, shall from the time of their election or appointment, continue in their respective offices until the next annual meeting, and until their respective successors shall be duly chosen and qualified.
Section 16: Service of Notices
It shall be the duty of every member to inform the Secretary by written communication, of his place of residence, his post office address, and of any change thereof. Service of any notice under the Constitution or Bylaws upon any member of the Society addressed to him at his last recorded place of residence, or post office address, and forwarded by mail, shall be deemed sufficient service of such notice.
Section 17: Recommendation of Candidates
No member shall approve an application for membership in this Society unless he shall know the candidate to be worthy, and shall have satisfied himself that such candidate is eligible, and will, if admitted, be a desirable member.
Section 18: Chapters
Upon the receipt of a petition asking for the authority to form a Chapter signed by ten (10) or more members in good standing and residing within a County of the State of Tennessee where the auxiliary chapter is proposed, the Board of Managers may authorize and empower such petitioners to form such a Chapter, which shall be known as the…Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Sons of the Revolution.
Such Chapter, when formed and authorized, may adopt such Bylaws and Regulations as it may deem proper, provided they do not conflict in any manner whatsoever with the Charter or Bylaws of the Society or with the Constitution of the General Society of Sons of the Revolution. No Chapter shall have power to involve the Society or the General Society of Sons of the Revolution in any pecuniary obligation whatsoever or in any controversy with any other State Society.
Only members of the Society in good standing shall be eligible to membership in any Chapter formed within the State. A Chapter may provide for life membership in the Chapter and may fix the terms of such membership by suitable Bylaws. When members, including life members of a Chapter, cease to be members in good standing of the Society, they shall forthwith cease, to be members of a Chapter, and the Secretary of such Chapter shall be so notified by the Secretary of the Society.
It shall be optional with the members residing within the precincts of a Chapter to become members thereof.
The Officers of a Chapter shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and there may be an Executive Committee, constituted as such Chapter shall determine. A Chapter may have such other Officers and Committees as it may decide. The President of every Chapter shall be a member ex officio of the Board of Managers of the Society, and the Secretary of the Society shall send notices of its meetings to the Chapters.
The Society reserves the right to disband any Chapter for sufficient causes at any time after due hearing.
Section 19: Committees
The President shall appoint such additional committees as he deems appropriate, but any committee other than those specifically authorized by the Constitution and Bylaws shall require reauthorization in order to continue in effect after the annual meeting.
Section 20: Standing Rules
The board of managers may adopt standing rules by a majority vote at any regular or special meeting. In order for any policy, procedure or standing rule to continue in effect beyond the annual meeting it shall be presented in writing to the each member elected to the Board of Managers
Section 21: Prize Essays
For the purpose of stimulating research into the history of the formative period of our nation by the young men and women of the State, either the Society or the Board of Managers may offer cash, medals, or other prizes for original essay contests or other studies. The arrangement and management of any such contests may be delegated to a committee elected by the Society or by the Board of Managers.
Section 22: Marshal
The President of the Society may, from time to time in his discretion, designate a member to act under his direction as Marshal for the Society in its commemorative celebrations, parades and other meetings, and to perform such other duties as usually appertain to such position.
Section 23: Color Guard
A Color Guard for the Society may be created by the Board of Managers, composed of members of the Society, the duties of which shall be the care, custody, and proper official display of the Colors, Flags, and Standards of the Society.
Section 24:Emeritus Officers and Board Members
Officers or former officers and members of the Board of Managers or former members of the Board of Managers who become incapacitated for any reason whatsoever and who, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Board of Managers, have rendered faithful and effective service to the Society, may be designated by the Board of Managers as an "Emeritus" officer or Board member, such office to be that in which the Board deems the incapacitated member to have distinguished himself.
Section 25: Certificate of Membership
Every member shall be entitled to receive a certificate of membership, which shall be authenticated by the President and the Secretary and countersigned by the Registrar of the Society, and to which the colors and Seal of the Society shall be affixed. The certificate shall be like the form shown on the following page.
Certificate of Membership
(Dimensions: 11" x 14")
Section 26: Nominating Committee
Following the annual meeting, the President shall appoint a committee of three most immediate past presidents to recommend to the Society a list of officers to be voted upon at the next annual meeting. Such recommendations, however, shall not prevent any member present at the annual meeting, from placing in nomination any other member for any elective office, provided that the member to be nominated has been notified of the intention to place his name in nomination and that he has agreed to serve if elected.
Section 27: Delegates to the General Society
There shall be chosen triennially two delegates to the General Society, and one additional delegate for every hundred members or major portion thereof. There shall be chosen at each annual meeting a General Delegate to the General Council.
Section 28: Tennessee Society Memorial Endowment Fund
The Board of Managers shall establish the Tennessee Society Memorial Endowment Fund for the purpose of supporting the Society's patriotic, historical and educational goals and programs. These would include, but not be limited to, acquiring and placing historical monuments, marking graves of Revolutionary War patriots, supporting the cost of operation and acquiring books and archival materials for the Society's library, supporting the Society's Color Guard, assisting veterans, awarding scholarships and such other activities deemed to be appropriate by the Board of Managers.
The Board of Managers shall authorize the preparation and publication of a trust document in appropriate legal and tax form to provide for the appointment of a Memorial Endowment Fund committee to receive, manage and disburse trust funds. This committee shall be composed of the current treasurer of the Society and three [of the six most recent] past presidents of the Society, who shall be appointed by the current president with the advice and consent of the Board of Managers. To establish and perpetuate the Memorial Endowment Fund, the Board of Managers and the Memorial Endowment Fund Committee are authorized from time to time to solicit and accept gifts and bequests, including memorial gifts, of money and property from members of the Society and others; gifts and grants from organizations, businesses and institutions, and government entities; and other sources deemed to be acceptable by the Board of Managers and the Memorial Endowment Fund Committee.
Section 29: Children of the American Revolution
The Society affirms its support of the aims, purposes, and goals of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) in the state of Tennessee and encourages its members to continue their efforts in the CAR until reaching their majority. The Society's membership fee shall be waived for all CAR members in good standing whose application meets the current standards of the Society.
Section 30: Patriotic Cooperation
The Society recognizes other patriotic organizations having common or similar objectives and pledges its cooperation on matters of mutual benefit; however, such cooperation shall at no time compromise the autonomy, authority and independence of the Society.
Section 31: Amendments
The Bylaws of the Society shall be subject to amendment only in the manner prescribed for the amendment of the Constitution of the Society, except that when any proposed amendment to the Bylaws has been approved by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Managers present at any regular or special meeting, the Bylaws may thereafter by amended by the favorable vote of at least three fourths (3/4) of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the Society, without the necessity of satisfying the thirty day waiting period requirement or the notice requirement that would apply but for the prior approval of the proposed amendment by the Board of Managers.
[The text shown in italics in the section on the Memorial Endowment fund was deleted by amendment at the 1998 annual meeting. The changes adopted at the 2000 annual meeting are indicated in bold face type. Existing sections of the bylaws following inserted sections have been renumbered to be consecutive.]