Consolidation

CHAPTER CLOSING - CHECK LIST

Once this firm decision has been taken and a suitable timetable agreed for the Notice of Motion and Resolution to be made, the Scribe E and Treasurer (assisted by other such Companions as they may call upon) should start on the following check list:-

  • Ensure that all outstanding debts are paid, all dues settled and the accounts brought up to date audited and closed.
  • The Chapter record books are similarly brought up to date and completed.
  • By agreement with the Companions, that provision be made for the disposal of all surplus funds to charity, or as otherwise decided by the Companions.      [Note: It is suggested that joining fees to new Chapters be paid by the closing Chapter, if the non-charity funds permit].
  • Inventory of all artefacts and other property brought up to date and provision made for their disposal or storage.
  • Records kept of the alternative Chapters to be joined or applied to by the members according to each individual’s choice and Certificates of Good Standing constructed.
  • Provision made regarding Chapter-widows and other dependants.

 

[Note:
With the closure of a Chapter it is expected that few (if any) Companions will be lost to Freemasonry. Every effort should therefore be made to ensure that they go to alternative Chapters, either within or outside the Province. Hence the suggestion that Joining Fees should be paid out of the closing Chapter’s funds, if possible. In some cases, particularly where the membership’s homes are widespread, the Companions may opt to be dispersed perhaps to join a more local, and hence convenient, Chapter. A more desirable alternative, however, may be to remain together (and thus retain friendships) by moving en block to another Chapter, thus considerably strengthening it.  Such a process is greatly aided by prior “twinning”, as mentioned above].

 

 

 

 

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