[REPRINT] BIBLE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL FALL RIVER, MASS. ADOPTED NOVEMBER 6, 1903 66 Preamble This Association is formed in accordance with and subject to the Standing Rules of the Central Church of Fall River," Section 6 (Officers), and Section 1 (Instruction). It is a reorganization of the "Sabbath school," established at the organization of the Church in A.D. 1842. It adopts the following Articles as its Constitution and By-Laws. ARTICLE I This organization shall be called the Central Congregational Bible School. ARTICLE II OBJECT The object of this Bible school shall be to gather as many as possible into its several departments for the study of the Bible, with the double purpose in view of bringing souls to Christ and building up souls in Christ. It may engage in such other christian work as is consistent with this object. ARTICLE III Section 1. Any person may be enrolled as a member after an attendance of four consecutive Sundays, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. Sec. 2. Any member absent four consecutive Sundays shall be dropped from the roll, provided the teacher of the class, after due inquiry and consultation with the superintendent, deems it wise to do so. ARTICLE IV DEPARTMENTS Section 1. The school shall be divided into eight departments: the Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Adult, Normal, Home, and Chinese departments. Sec. 2. The Primary Department shall consist of those under nine years of age. Sec. 3. The Junior Department shall consist of those from nine to thirteen years of age. It shall be divided into four grades, the members remaining in each grade one year. Sec. 4. The Intermediate Department shall consist of those from thirteen to seventeen years of age. It shall be divided into four grades, the members remaining in each grade one year. Sec. 5. The Senior Department shall consist of those from seventeen to twenty-one years of age. It shall be divided into four grades, the members remaining in each grade one year. Sec. 6. The Adult Department shall consist of all those twenty-one years of age and over. It shall be composed of such classes as may be formed from time to time, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Sec. 7. The Normal Department shall consist of those who wish to fit themselves to teach. Sec. 8. The Home Department shall consist of all those who, for good reasons, cannot attend the sessions of the school, but study the lessons one-half hour weekly at their homes. ARTICLE V OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Section 1. The officers shall be a superintendent, one or more assistant superintendents, eight department supervisors in charge of the several departments, and the following officers: a secretary, treasurer, librarian, and historian. Sec. 2. The Board of Managers shall consist of the officers abovenamed, and the teachers in all departments, with the pastor as chair man. Sec. 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers as named in Article V, Section 1. Sec. 4. There shall also be the following sub-committees, appointed by the Board of Managers: a Finance Committee of three, and an Instruction Committee of five. ARTICLE VI ELECTION OF OFFICERS Section 1. The superintendent and assistant superintendents shall be chosen annually in the following manner: They shall be nominated by the Board of Managers at a meeting called for the purpose at least one week previous to the annual meeting of the Church. This nomination shall be presented to the Church at its annual meeting, and if confirmed at that meeting, the nominees shall serve for the ensuing year. Sec. 2. The superintendent shall appoint the department supervisors, the secretary, treasurer, librarian, and historian, subject to the confirmation of the Board of Managers at its annual meeting. Sec. 3. Department supervisors shall appoint all assistants in their departments, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Sec. 4. Teachers for each department shall be appointed by the department supervisor in consultation with the superintendent. Sec. 5. The officers chosen shall assume their duties at the close of the Promotion Day exercises. ARTICLE VII DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Managers. Sec. 2. The superintendent shall be the executive officer of the school, and chairman of the Executive Committee; shall have the general charge and direction of the school, subject to the Board of Managers; shall preside at all sessions of the school and at meetings of the Board of Managers in the absence of the pastor; and shall be exofficio a member of all committees. Sec. 3. The assistant superintendents shall be assigned definite work by the superintendent, reporting to him for such assignment, and being held responsible to him for its performance. Sec. 4. The department supervisors shall have the general direction of the work in their respective departments. Sec. 5. The secretary shall have charge of all records, papers, and lesson periodicals belonging to the Bible school, and keep a record of the same; shall keep a correct roll of membership and attendance, a record of all meetings of the school and Board of Managers; shall report to the superintendent in such manner as may be desired, and give any information that the Board of Managers may request. Sec. 6. The treasurer shall have charge of all funds belonging to the school, and shall, upon order of the Finance Committee, pay all bills and all appropriations for benevolent work. He shall be ex-officio a member of the Finance Committee. Sec. 7. The librarian shall have charge of the library, subject to such rules as the Board of Managers may adopt, and shall report to the Board at its annual meeting the condition and needs of the library. Sec. 8. The historian shall keep an accurate history of the school, noting all matters of interest. ARTICLE VIII DUTIES OF THE BOARD, MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES Section 1. The Board of Managers shall supervise all Bible-school work, and control all matters not otherwise provided for. The Board shall meet annually during the week preceding Promotion Sunday in June. Special meetings may be called at any time by the superintendent or five members of the Board. At all meetings of the Board ten shall constitute a quorum. Sec. 2. The Executive Committee shall see to the carrying out of the plans formulated from time to time by the Board of Managers. Sec. 3. The Finance Committee shall have in charge the raising and disbursing of all moneys, such disbursements being subject to the general appropriations by the Board of Managers. Sec. 4. The Instruction Committee shall outline a course of graded supplemental instruction, which course, when approved by the Board of Managers, shall be the basis of promotion from department to department, certificates of promotion being issued to scholars passing satisfactory examinations upon the same. This committee shall also recommend concerning the lesson periodicals. ARTICLE IX REPORTS OF OFFICERS Section 1. The superintendent shall make a report of the year's work and of all matters pertaining to the interests of the school at the annual meeting of the Board of Managers. Sec. 2. The various other officers shall make reports at the same meeting, and from time to time, as requested, to the superintendent. ARTICLE X PROMOTION DAY Promotion Sunday shall occur during the month of June with such exercises as the Executive Committee shall select, the date of the same to be determined by said committee. ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the Board of Managers, notice of such amendment having been given at a previous meeting. Any such amendments shall become a part of this constitution when approved by the Church. |