Preamble

Having placed our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, believing in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God; we therefore adopt the following constitution.  We recognize the democratic nature of the Baptist faith and practice and the fundamental right of each Baptist church so to govern its affairs as in its opinion best subserves the will of Christ.

Article I - Name

By mutual consent and by prayer and meditation, the memebers of this Chruch have concluded that the name shall be: Montrose Baptist Church of Chicago.

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of this Church shall be:

1. The administration of the New Testament ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper. 
2. The maintenance of the public worship of God. 
3. The study and teaching of the Holy Bible. 
4. Witness to Jesus Christ in the local community and throughout the world (by means of our affiliation).

Article III - Affiliation

The Montrose Baptist Church of Chicago is affiliated with the Chicago Baptist Association, the Illinois Baptist State Convention and the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and their affiliates.

Article IV. - Membership

Section1. Eligibility

The membership of our church shall consist of persons who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and accept the Holy Bible as the Word of God.

Section 2. Procedure for Membership

1. Present selves before the church body at public worhsip or,  
2. By appication in written form  
3. Then, after appearing before the Board of Deacons for recommendation, all applicants found eligible shall be admitted to membership by a favorable vote of the church body after fulfilling one of the following:
   • By letter of transfer and recommendation duly granted by another church of like faith and practice.  
   • Upon baptism by immersion as a public testimony of personal belief in Jesus Christ as Saviour.  
   • By verbal testimony of personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour.  
   • By Christian experience, i.e., persons who have been members of other Baptist churches but are unable to present letters of transfer, or persons who are not members of other Baptist churches, but have been baptized by immersion.

Section 3. Dismissal

Membership may be terminated by recommendation of the Board of Deacons and a majority vote of the church in any of the following ways:

1. By letter of transfer as requested from another Christian church of like faith.  
2. By erasure, upon request of the member, with a notice in the church bulletin in lieu of church vote.  
3. By dismissal when a member disregards the reasonable obligations of church membership.

Upon ratification of such, the Board of Deacons shall initiate such action as seems advisable in an effort to restore said member.

Article V - Officers

The elected officers of the Church shall be as follows: Pastor, Board of Deacons, Board of Deaconesses, Trustees, Church Clerk, Church Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent and such other officers as from time to time shall be elected by favorable vote of the church today.

Section 1. Term of Office

All elected officers shall be members of this Church in good standing and shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Business Meeting for a period of one year except the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconesses.  The Board of Deacons shall be elected to serve a term of three years; deacons are to be elected at each annual meeting.  The Board of Deaconesses shall be elected for a term of three years also.  All other officers shall be elected for a term of one year.  it shall be the responsibility of the Board of Deacons to orient the newly elected officer into his respective office. 

Section 2. Vacancies and Replacement

In the event of death, resignation, or failure of an officer to fulfill the duties of his elected office without sufficient cause, the Church shall proceed to elect another to fill the vacancy.

Article VI - Duties of Officers

Section 1. Board of Deacons

There shall be seven (7) deacons and they shall cooperate in counsel with the pastor in promoting the spiritual needs and life of the church members.  They shall have general supervision of the meetings of the church and shall preside at those for public worship in the absence of the pastor.  They shall assist the pastor in administrating the ordinances and shall care for the supply of the pulpit in case of temporary absence of the pastor.  They shall act upon all applications for membership into the church or dismissal from the church.  When necessary, standing committees shall be appointed by the Board of Deacons.  The responsibility by the Board of Deacons.  The basic duties and areas are outlined below.

Theses functions are not fixed and may be modified in duties and details, as needed.

1. Administration - The Deacon of Administration shall be Moderator of the Church and prside at all regular and special business meetings, be responsible for the Board of Dacons appointing necessary church committees He will request the annual reports of all officers, boards, committees and auxiliary organizations.  He will assume such administrative duties as the Board of Deacons may deem advisable. 
2. Worship - The Deacon of Worship will supervise the worship program.  He will act as Head Usher and shall supervise the administration of the Church ordinances.
3. Christian Education - The Deacon of Christian Education shall provide oversight for church programs pertaining to Christian Education and youth organization, i.e., Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Clubs and Fellowships.  he is responsible for meeting the needs of the Church in these areas of outreach; through recruitment and training programs for qualified leadership required in them.
4. Fianance - The Deacon of Finance shall supervise all matters pertaining to the finances of the Church.  He shall be Chairman of the Budget Committee in preparing the annual budget and shall serve on the Every Member Canvass Committee.  It shall be his responsibility to see that money from all sources contributed to the Church is counted and deposited in the bank designated by the Church.  An itemized record of all receipts shall be given to the Financial Secretary.
5. Evangelism - The Deacon of Evangelism with the Pastor will supervise the visitation program of the Church.  He shall assist in the registration of the congregation and the following up of the absentees as directed by the Board of Deacons.  he has responsibility for adult outreach programs.
6. Maintenance - The Deacon of Maintenance shall supervise the maintenance and repair of all Church properties.  The work of the Custodian shall be under his supervision.  When necessary, he shall secure the services of a custodian at such salary as is authorized by the Church.  He shall be chairman of the Legal Representative (Trustees) of the Church.
7. Variable Diaconate - The seventh deacon shall fill a role that can be different from term to term, depending on the needs of the Church.  If the Board deems that it is necessary to emphasize a certain ministry, e.g., music or special events, it shall give attention to it by designating a deacon with that responsibility.  Thereby, that ministry shall be assured Board-level review in the regularly schedule meetings of the Board of Deacons.  The designated deacon shall attend to the necessary details in the selected ministry, in addition to having oversight responsibility, to assure proper planning, assignments and functioning within that ministry.

Section 2. Board of Deaconesses

The Board of Deaconesses shall be composed of four members who will assist the Pastor and the Deacon of Worship in the administration of the ordinances, i.e., assist women candidates for baptism; care for the baptismal robes and preparation of the Lord's Supper.

Section 3. Legal Representatives

The Board of Trustees shall consist of three members.  The Deacon of Maintenance (chairman) and two (2) elected members.  This board shall be the legal representatives of the Church and shall annually audit all the financial records of the Church.

Section 4. Church Clerk

The Church Clerk shall keep accurate minutes of the business meetings of the Church, including reception, dismission of members, keep a complete roll of the members of the Church and their addresses and shall keep the same revised and up to date; issue letters of dismission and transfer and a certificate of Christian standing as authorized by the Church; conduct all official correspondance, preserve and file all necessary records, prepare the denominational report.  The clerk shall present a summarized report at the annual business meeting.  He shall deliver to his successor all books, files, records or other documents in his possession following the annual election of officers.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Church Treasurer shall be custodian of all money contributed to the Church.  Payment of all bills shall be by check.  The Treasurer shall present to the Church an itemized report of receipts and disbursements at each stated business meeting showing the actual financial condition of the Church.  He shall submit his books and records for inspection to the Finance Committee at any time at its request.  He shall present his books for auditing at the end of the fiscal year.  He shall deliver to his successor immediately all books and records pertaining to his office.

Section 6. Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall act as the recorder of all money received from all sources.  He shall furnish each member with individually numbered envelopes for contributions to the Church expenses and benevolences.  heshall keep a separate account of each contributor and shall furnish semi-annual statements to each.  He shall present to the Church an itemized report of receipts at each stated business meeting.

Section 7. Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday School Superintendent shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Deacon of Christian Education for the administration of the Sunday School.  He shall submit an annual report to the Church.

Article VII - Boards and Standing Committees

There shall be the following boards and standing committees:

1. Board of Deacons
2. Board of Deaconesses
3. Sunday School Board
4. Finance Committee
5. Pulpit - Pastoral Relations Committee
6. Nominating Committee

Section 1. Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons has been previously covered under Article VI.  Section 1.

Section 2. Board of Deaconesses

The Board of Deaconesses has been previously covered under Article VI, Section 2.

Section 3. The Sunday School Board

The Sunday School Board shall be composed of the General Superintendent, Sunday School Secretary, Departmental Superintendents and all teachers.  The duties of this Board are to unify and administer the educational work of the church, to submit to the church annually for approval an annual budget for Church educational work and to administer it when adopted; to appoint heads of school departments, teachers and special workers and committees, to make regular reports to the Board of work done.  The Pastor and the Deacon of Christian Education are members ex officio of this Board.  It shall be the duty of these officials to lay all important matters needing decision before this Board, give guidance to the considerance and the administration of its plans.

Section 4. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall consist of the Deacon of Finance, Church Treasurer, Financial Secretary and two (2) members-at-large.  The Finance Committee shall be responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for presentation to the Church for adoption at the annual business meeting, and be responsible for the securing of pledges and money in any financial canvass.

Section 5. Pulpit- Pastoral Relations Committee

The Pulpit - Pastoral Relations Committee shall be comprised of the Board of Deacons and a representative cross-section of the congregation nominated by the Board of Deacons and approved by congregational vote.  The committee shall elect its shairman.  It shall be the duty of this committee to take the nacessary steps to secure a pastor.  The Committee shall investigate the merits of each  man under consideration as to his personal character, education, ministerial record and preaching ability in determining the fitness for said pastorate.  When a suitable man is found the committee shall reconnend him to the church for consideration.  This committee shall settle the new pastor and shall be responsible for the welfare of this family and cultivate cordial relations between the pastor and the church membership.

Section 6. Nominating Committee

The Board of Deacons shall appoint three (3) members to prepare a list of those qualified to fill the various offices of the church.  They shall interview each nominee proposed and ascertain his or her willingness to serve.  The committee shall nominate one or more persons for each office and will present the names to the church at the annual business meeting.

Section 7. Women's Missionary Society

The Women's Missionary Society shall be composed of the women of the church and other interested women.

The duties of the Society shall be: The development and implementing of missionary programs and endeavors for the Church.  The election of the delegate to represent the organization whenever any matters pertaining to their work or programs need to be brought before the Deacon Board.  Submission of an annual report of their efforts at the close of a church year.

Section 8. Youth Ministry

Youth Clubs and Fellowships can be organized, by approval of the Board of Deacons to provide spiritual and recreational activity for the youth of our Church and community.  The Deacon of Christian Education shall see to it htat proper leadership is provided within each group.  The leadership, in turn, must be responsible for the activities within each group, providing a balanced program of Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.  Submission of an annual report of their activities at the close of Church year.

Section 9. Other Committees

To facilitate the work of the church, other committees may be appointed by the Board of Deacons at any time as particular needs may arise.

Article VIII - Pastor

The Pastor shall be chosen by the church upon considering the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee.  The membership shall be duly notified of any meeting in which the call or dismissal of a pastor is to be considered.  A three-fourths majority of members present (20 min.) and voting shall be necessary for the call of a pastor.  A majority vote of members present (20 min.) shall be sufficient for dismissal.  The call of a pastor shall be for an indefinite period.  The relation of pastor and church may be terminated with a thirty (30) day notice given by either party, or within a shorter or longer period with the nutual consent of both parties.  The terms of the call of a pastor shall be determined by the Pulpit Committee and approved by the church.  He shall have an annual vacation period of (30) days (4) Sundays with full salary, the time to be selected by the pastor in conference with the Board of Deacons.  He shall notify the Board of Deacons if he is to be absent at any other time from the pulpit and have their approval.  The pastor shall direct the public worship, preach statedly to the church, administer the ordinances and perform the other duties incumbent on his office.  He shall attend all Board meetings if he so desires and shall be a member ex-officio of all boards and committees.  In the absence of the moderator, the pastor shall preside at all business meetings of the church.

Article IX - Meetings

Section 1 - Devotional Meetings

• The church shall meet regularly each Lord's Day for worship and the preaching of the Gospel.
• The church shall meet for the ordinances of the Lord's Supper the first Sunday of each month in the Morning Service.  Departure from this schedule may be authorized by the Board of Deacons.
• The church shall periodically meet for prayer, testimony, and Bible study.
• The church shall meet each Lord's Day for Christian instruction (the study and teaching of the Bible).
• The church may meet for special worship services approved by the Board of Deacons and the Pastor.

Section 2. - Business Meetings

• The fiscal year of this church shall begin January 1 and close on December 31 of each year.
• The annual business meeting of the church shall be held during the month of January.  The Deacon Board shall have the responsibility of selecting the specific date.
• Special business meetings may be called at any time in connection with any regular meeting of the church by the Pastor or the Board of Deacons or upon written request of ten (10) members.  In this latter case, one (1) week's notice must be given designating the time, place and nature of the business to be acted upon.
• Rober's Rules of Order shall govern the business proceedings of this church.
• At any business meeting of the church, ten (10) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Article X - Amendments

This constitution may be amended by a three-quarter (3/4) vote of members present and voting, providing notice of intended change is given two weeks in advance to all members.

Article XI - Organizations

This church regards as an integral part of itself all organizations formed among its members for Christian education, fellowship, and service, which use the facilities of the church property.  Of all such organizations, the Pastor and Board of Deacons shall have general oversight and the church will expect a report from each organization at its annual business meeting.

THIS CONSTITUTION ADOPTED, THRUSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1963, AT THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CHURCH.  CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE:  Franklin Carrothers, Madeline Petriet, Max Mullins, Donald Parker, Mary Peters, and Pastor Owen W. Stewart

AMENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1969.

COMPREHENSIVELY REVISED IN 1980.  THE SECOND REVISION WAS ADOPTED AT THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CHURCH, JANUARY 25, 1980.  REVISION COMMITTEE: Lawrence Carle, Allan Firak, Gerald Firak, Jerry Nikodem, Lydia Nikodem, Fred Sass, William Walter, and Pastor Robert M. Colpitts

MODERATELY REVISED IN 1983.  THE THIRD REVISION WAS ADOPTED IN A SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CHURCH, OCTOBER 23, 1983.  REVISION COMMITTEE: Lawrence Carle, Allan Firak, Gerald Firak, William Hart, Madeline Petriet, Fred Sass, William Walter, and Pastor James W. Jones