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LHS Constitution
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Constitution of
The Lutheran Historical Society

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be "The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic."

Article II - Purpose and Scope of the Society

SECTION 1. The mission of The Lutheran Historical Society is to preserve, to document, and to stir interest in the rich Lutheran traditions which are the foundation of the church in the Middle Atlantic and adjoining areas. Specifically, the Society intends to foster knowledge and use of Lutheran history in the synods and congregations which comprise Region 8 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Society will carry out its mission by:

a. encouraging the collection and preservation of archival materials that document Lutheran church life at the regional, synodical, and congregational levels;

b. stimulating interest in synodical and congregational history by encouraging anniversary histories, exhibits, and special events;

c. assisting scholarly research which explores Lutheran history and identity within the context of American social and religious life;

d. publishing a newsletter for members that provides information on the Society's activities, regional and local news relating to Lutheran history, and items of general interest, and;

e. maintaining communications with others interested in the religious life in the areas.

SECTION 2. The Lutheran Historical Society is a reorganization of The Historical Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which became active in 1952 and its predecessor organizations, the first of which was begun in 1843 as The Historical Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States of North America.

Article III - Membership

SECTION 1. Membership in this Society shall be open to all individuals and institutions, including organizations, supporting the mission of the Society.

SECTION 2. Each institutional member may designate one representative to vote at annual meetings.

SECTION 3. Individual members and the one designated representative from each institutional member may vote in Society elections and may hold office.

SECTION 4. All members will receive the newsletter, discounts on any Society-sponsored publications, and reduced registration fee for the Society's annual conference.

Article IV - Finances

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall establish categories of membership and dues for individuals and institutions.

SECTION 2. Life Membership, memorial and other Designated Gifts shall be deposited in a special account whose principal will be invested and whose earned income only shall be used for the purposes of the Society.

Article V - Meetings

SECTION 1. The Society shall hold at least an annual meeting for the purposes of conducting business, the presentation of research papers and special reports, and general fellowship.

SECTION 2. The meeting held in the Spring of each year shall be designated as the Annual Meeting.

SECTION 3. Special Meeting shall be called by the action of the Board of Directors, or in unusual circumstances by the president of the Society.

SECTION 4. Fifteen voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Article VI - Board of Directors

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, corresponding secretary, and seven general members. Four board members shall be elected at each annual meeting for terms of three years. The officers' duties shall be those usually associated with such officers.

SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall elect the president, vice-president, secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer for terms of one year.

SECTION 3. Six members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall report at least annually to the membership of the Society.

SECTION 5. The Board of Directors shall elect the editor(s) of publications who shall serve at its pleasure.

SECTION 6. The President shall appoint all members of committees established by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7. The officers shall constitute the Executive Committee.

SECTION 8. The President and the Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for the calendar year for consideration and adoption by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 9. The Board of Directors is authorized to adopt such standing rules as deems necessary for the good of the Society and also to amend or repeal the same.

SECTION 10. ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, latest edition, shall be the parliamentary guide for all business sessions.

Article VII - Amendments

SECTION 1. This constitution may be amended at any annual meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present providing that there be a six-weeks' advance notice of the proposed amendment.