
Table of Content
Article I: Name/Seal/Purpose
Article II: Principles
Article III: Official Board – Election/Eligibility
Article IV: Official Board Duties
Article V: Stock/Sale of Property
Articles VI: Jurisdiction
Articles VII: Legislation
Article VIII: Order of Business
Article IX: Meetings
Article X: Stock Fees/Voter Eligibility
Article XI: Expulsion
Article XII: Leaseholds
Article XIII: Care Of Cottages
Article XIV: Miscellaneous
Article XV: Disciplinary Procedures
NSRCA
Bylaws
Article I
Name/Seal/Purpose
Section 1. The name of the organization shall be “THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS CAMP ASSOCIATION.” or “NSRCA” Formerly known as, “THE ASHLEY SPIRITUALIST CAMP ASSOCLATION” or “ASCA,” Being duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio and located at, and its principal business transacted at Woolley Park, Ashley, Ohio.
Section 2. The seal of this Association shall be circular in shape with the name of the incorporation around the edge and the location of the Camp, the date of its incorporation in the center. Date of incorporation: December 31, 1893.
Section 3. The purpose of this Camp Association is not for profit for the camp and/or any individual/group, but for the membership, fellowship, and advancement of educational and religious research associated with the study of the Bible.
Section 4.
A. For the purpose of holding services and meetings under the practice of accepting people of any Christian denomination. An independent nondenominational Religion in accordance with the study of the Bible and the philosophy of Modern Christianity.
B. This organization is subject to the laws incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia, The United Staes of America, and the State of Ohio.
C. We further agree on behalf of ourselves, our associates, and successors, to incorporate our organization under the civil laws of the jurisdiction in which we are located.
Article II
Principles
Section 1. The National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association publishes the following Declaration of Principles to the world, as a creed of independent practice of modern Christian belief through the teachings of the Bible and modern Christianity.
- We believe in God and the Holy spirit.
- We believe that the Bible emphasizes unity among believers but does not explicitly endorse specific denominations.
- We encourage love, understanding, fellowship among Christians, despite doctrinal differences.
- We focus on the core principles of faith, love, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- We believe that a church is a community of believers rather than a hierarchy.
Definitions. The following definitions are published to the world not as all-inclusive or all-exclusive, but as comprehensive and concise statements having the section of this association for the use in court and practical affairs.
- Nondenominational – Open for acceptance to people of Christian denomination.
- Good Standing – In favor or good terms with someone.
- Trustee – an individual person or member of a board given control or powers of administration of property in trust with a legal obligation to administer it solely for the purposes specified.
- Modern Christianity – Religion that does not state that there is only one way to serve God.
- Cottage – a smaller, simple house.
Section 2. Healing Prayer
I ask the Great Unseen Healing Force to remove all obstructions from my mind and body. And to restore me to perfect health, I ask this is all sincerity and honesty And I will do My Part.
I ask the Great Unseen Healing Force to help both present and absent ones who are in need of help. And to restore them to perfect health, I put my trust in the love and power of God.
Article III
Official Board - Election/Eligibility
Section 1. The Official Board of this association shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and (3) Trustees all who must maintain membership as either a Camp member or as a Church member and be in good standing of the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association and have stock.
Section 2.
A. No stockholder can be nominated to the office of President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer until he/she has served one (1) three (3) year term on the Official Board as Trustee.
B. The exception to this would be if an office must be filled on an emergency basis, due to the lack of eligible candidates. Then that person from that time would be considered to have served his/her one (1) three (3) year term on the Official Board as trustee and shall hold the position/seat until the next Fall Stockholder’s meeting, where the emergency held position/seat will go to a stockholders vote for the official holding from the emergency placement of the position/seat.
Section 3. All officers shall be elected by ballot or voice vote if there is only one nominee at the Fall Stockholders meeting. The above-named officers shall be divided into three groups:
1. The president, vice president and one (1) trustee for a term of three (3) years.
2. The secretary and one (1) trustee for a term of three (3) years.
3. The treasurer and one (1) trustee for a term of three (3) years.
All shall hold office for the term for which they are elected or until their successors are elected and qualified. Provided that should any member of the Official Board fail to maintain membership in good standing as a camp member or a church member, his/her term of office shall automatically be terminated by majority vote of the remaining board members. Vacancies due to death, incapacity, removal, resignation, or expulsion can be filled by the Official Board until the next stockholder's election, thereafter, at which time a special election for the remainder of the term can be held by a qualified stockholder.
Section 4. No stockholder can be nominated to the office of Trustee until he or she has been a member in good standing with this association for no less than one (1) year. An exception to this would be if an office must be filled due to lack of eligible candidates. See Article III, Section 2 Exception.
Section 5. Not more than two (2) members of the same household are eligible to hold office on the Official Board at the same time.
- The only exception would be if an office must be filled due to lack of an eligible candidate and only if no other member of the same household is holding an officer’s position.
- A member is considered not to be eligible for office on the Official Board unless they are in good standing with the NSRCA and hold stock.
Section 6. The term of office elected officers shall begin on adjournment of the fall stockholders meeting at which they were elected and sworn in. At that time all records, such as check books, keys, and all documents, etc. shall be turned over to the newly elected officers.
- An inventory, established by the Official Board, of materials is to be signed by the outgoing officer, incoming officer, and the acting President and to be maintained in the official records.
Section 7. Nominations shall be from the floor and can be made by any member in good standing.
Section 8. Nominees to the Official Board must be present to be elected.
Article IV
Official Board - Duties
Section 1. The duty of the President shall be to preside at all meeting of the board, and at all, meetings of the stockholders. Sign all orders drawn on the treasury approved by the board members. Call extra meetings when deemed necessary or when requested in writing to do so by five (5) stockholders in good standing. The president is to make an annual report on the condition of the camp during the past year. Suggesting such improvements that will lead to more good will and constructiveness for the Camp Association.
Section 2. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the president in his or her absence.
Section 3. The Secretary shall be in charge of work pertaining to this office. Shall function as secretary to the Official Board and keep accurate records of all proceedings. Shall keep on file all records and accounts of the Association and deal with all official correspondence. The Official Board is to provide a place for safe keeping of records, the President and Secretary to hold the key to same.
- Shall be custodian of the Seal and Articles of Incorporation, Deeds and Documents. Shall collect and receipt monies received by the Association, keeping an accurate account thereof: and turn the same over to the treasurer taking that Officer’s receipt for same. Shall draw all orders for payment of approved bills against the Association and present the same to the President for that Officers signature.
- Shall notify all stockholders by mail, text message, or email of the Spring Stockholder’s meeting and Fall Stockholder’s meeting no less than thirty (30) days prior to each, with verified receipt.
- Shall submit a written report at the fall meeting of the stockholders of the condition of the association as shown by the records of his or her office.
Section 4. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Association, shall receive all monies from the secretary and give receipt for same. Shall deposit such monies in the name of “The National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association.,” in such bank as directed by the Official Board. Shall pay all bills against the Association upon order drawn and signed by the Secretary and President.
- Shall keep a record for each of the several funds and use such a system of accounting as established by the Official Board.
- Shall furnish statement of account whenever requested by the President or by any three (3) members of the Board and at every meeting of the Board.
- Shall make a full written report at the Spring and Fall Stockholders Meetings setting forth the actuarial condition of each fund of the monies on deposit in the Savings and Checking accounts, CDs if any, accompanied by vouchers, canceled checks, bank books and statements.
Section 5. The Official Board may be bonded if deemed necessary by the Official Board. Such bond to be furnished and paid for by the camp association.
Section 6. The Trustees are to perform the duties assigned to them by the President or Vice President working at all times for the best interest of the association and the religion.
Section 7. Quorum – Five (5) members of the Official Board of said Association shall constitute a quorum. Five (5) members must concur on every act of the Official Board.
Article V
Stock/Sale of Property
Section 1. The requirement for the application for stock is that after investigation by the Official Board, and the applicant is found to be a member in good standing for a probation of ninety (90) days of either church or camp and at least eighteen (18) years of age he/she is then deemed eligible for stock.
Section 2. After September 1, 2024, any stockholders severing his or her membership with the church, their stock becomes null and void. Any stockholder severing his or her membership with the camp after September 1, 2024, their stock becomes null and void.
Section 3. Shares of stock are nontransferable from one individual: to another. Upon the demise of a stockholder his or her shares of stock become null and void.
Section 4. Any contemplated sale of cottages must first be approved by the Official Board before the transfer may be legally made.
Section 5. Description Of Capital Stock
- Stock only gives a member the right to vote. Stock is not transferable.
- Purchase of a share provides eligibility to apply for the purchase of a cottage.
- Stock does not give any portion of land or monies to an individual.
- All stock is controlled by the Official Board.
Article VI
Jurisdiction
Section 1. The Official Board shall be empowered to enforce all laws adopted by the stockholder's covering assessments and improvements on cottages. Issuing of shares of stock, lot leases, and building permits, and the re-plotting of the lots to meet the demands of the time. Any money accepted by any individual Board member shall not be considered official payment until accepted by the board.
Section 2. The Board shall have supervision over all fund-raising activities within the confines of the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association. All monies collected are to be used for improvements to the Camp under the direction of the Official Board of the Association. All improvements contemplated must be presented to the Board for their Approval.
Section 3. No private or personal business shall be established on the National Spiritual and Religious Camp grounds.
Section 4. The Official Board must be consulted regarding the buying or selling of any cottage or property lot(s) belonging to a member of the association. The buyer and the seller must both be present at a board meeting to complete the transfer. The transfer must be approved by majority vote of the board members.
Section 5. Official Board approval must be granted before the sale and/or occupancy of a property can take place.
Section 6. On or after April 20, 2002, no person shall occupy a home without the presence of the lease holder in the home. Official Board approval is needed for extenuating circumstances.
Article VII
Legislation
Section 1. This Association, by two-thirds vote if the stockholders present at Annual Fall Stockholders Meeting may enact any Bylaws not inconsistent or repugnant to these Bylaws.
Section 2. All amendments to these Bylaws desired or proposed by any stockholders shall be in the hands of the Secretary not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Fall Stockholders Meeting.
Section 3. Amendments of the Bylaws proposed must be provided in writing to all stockholders not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Fall Stockholders Meeting.
Section 4. This Association shall be governed by the Bylaws and by Robert’s Rules of Order in all things provided for in these Bylaws.
Section 5. A current church membership or camp membership card must be presented at the spring and fall stockholders' meetings, which shows that you are a member in good standing with the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association. If you are unable to show your card, then you are ineligible to vote at that meeting.
Section 6. The organization may be dissolved only with authorization of its Stockholders given at a special meeting called for that purpose, and with the subsequent approval by no less than two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members. In the event of the dissolution of the organization the assets shall be applied and distributed as follows:
All liabilities shall be paid, satisfied, and discharged, or adequate provision shall be made, therefore. Assets not held upon a condition requiring return, transfer, or conveyance to any other organization or individual shall be distributed, transferred, or conveyed, in trust or otherwise, to charitable and educational organizations, organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, of a similar or like nature to this organization, is determined by the Stockholders.
Article VIII
Order Of Business
Section 1.
- Call meeting to order.
- Opening prayer.
- Pledge of allegiance to the American Flag.
- Membership
- Roll Call
- Reading of minutes of previous meeting
- Reports of Officers
- Reports of Committees
- Old Business
- New Business
- Appointments for program committee
- Elections (fall stockholder’s meeting)
- Swearing in of officers and trustees
- Adjournment
Article IX
Meetings
Section 1. The stockholders’ business meetings will take place:
Spring Stockholder Meeting: The first Sunday of June
Fall stockholder Meeting: The first Sunday in September after Labor Day weekend.
Meetings to be called to order at 1:00 o’clock p.m. in the Church building located at Wolley Park.
Section 2. Official Board meetings are to be held on the last Sunday of each month, at a time of 11:30 AM and conclude no later than 4:00 PM. Any other times to be determined by the Official Board through majority vote.
Section 3. Any officer or trustee absent from three (3) consecutive meetings automatically vacates his or her position on the Official Board. However, the board under exceptional circumstances may grant permission for the absence of a Board member.
Article X
Stock Fees/ Voter Eligibility
Section 1. The cost of stock is a one (1) time fee of $25.00 and the fee must accompany the application for stock. If the application is rejected, the money will be fully refunded. The Official Board reserves the right to refuse anyone, not in good standing, stock. If refused, the Official Board will notify the applicant via official written communication. The board shall keep the official record of the notice.
Section 2. Regardless of how many shares of stock a person may own, each stockholder is entitled to only one vote. New stockholders must have held stock for three (3) months and be a member in good standing to be eligible to vote.
Article XI
Expulsion
Section 1. Any member, stockholder, or cottage owner refusing to conform to the bylaws of the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the NSRCA disciplinary procedures, see Article XV, and may result in suspension or expulsion from the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association by order of the Official Board. The decision of the Board shall be subject to an appeal by the member within ninety (90) days.
Article XII
Leaseholds
Section 1. No property can be rented to, or occupied by anyone, as a permanent or temporary residence not affiliated with the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association.
Section 2. If these Bylaws are not complied with, the Official Board is empowered to void lot lease on which said cottage is located, and to take necessary legal steps to take possession of premises.
Section 3. Non-payment of lot lease for a period of one year empowers the board to request payment to date; allowing thirty (30) days in which payment is to be made or eviction will be filed.
Section 4. Leases are for one (1) year being made by payment to the Secretary providing cottage owner has complied with the requirements of these bylaws. Payments are in advance with the year beginning August 1st.
OPTION OF PAYMENT FOR IMPROVED LOTS ARE:
- $240.00 per year improved lot due by August 1st of each year in advance
- $20.00 per month due by the 1st of each month in advance
UNIMPROVED LOT FEE 1S $5.00 PER YEAR PER LOT, BEING DUE BY AUGUST IST IN ADVANCE.
Section 5. No more than one (1) improved lot as defined shall be leased to members of the same household. The Official Board reserves the right to reject/approve any request to lease an improved or unimproved lot.
Section 6. A cottage owner wishing to sell their cottage to any person may do so providing that they have followed all guidelines set forth under these Bylaws of the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association.
After both the seller and buyer have met with the Official Board and after the Board's investigation has taken place, a vote of the Board shall be taken. Notification shall be made in writing that such sale of cottage can then and only then be made legal.
Article XIII
Care of Cottages and Park
Section 1. The cost of any improvements such as roads and property maintenance ordered by the Official Board that will benefit the association and cottage owners, shall be paid for by the collected lot leases.
Section 2. Cottage owners must keep their cottages in good repair, painted and attractive. Unimproved lots must be kept in the same condition. Thus, adding to the appearance of this Camp. Failure to do so would be cause for cancellation of lot lease or leases on any of these lots.
Section 3. Every effort is to be made by the Official Board to see that the Camp is well kept and all buildings belonging to the Association be made attractive and sanitary improvements be installed safeguarding health at all times.
Section 4. Excessive noise at any time, day, or night, will not be tolerated.
Section 5. No intoxicating liquor and/or illegal substances shall be brought into any of the Camp buildings or displayed in any manner on these religious grounds.
Section 6. No dogs shall be allowed outside unless they are controlled either by a leash or other means such as a fence at all times. Dogs should be kept inside if they are making excessive noise. Animal owners are to bring a copy to the Board, proof of rabies vaccination and required to be kept up to date as needed.
Article XIV
Miscellaneous
Section 1. The Official Board is not responsible for payment of any bills contracted without their authorization.
Section 2. As of April 20, 2002, the Official Board of the Camp shall have the authority as to the disbursement of all monies up to the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), except in an emergency situation, to conduct any project or maintenance to the Camp.
Section 3. No hunting is permitted within the camp boundaries at any time.
Section 4. No person, including leaseholders, stockholder, or visitor, shall be permitted to utilize any portion of the grounds, woods, or property of The National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association without prior consent of the Official Board.
Section 5. The National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association shall not be responsible for any loss or accident on camp grounds at any time.
Section 6. No property, cottage, etc. can be purchased by the Official Board without a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the stockholders in attendance at a spring or fall stockholder meeting or a special meeting of all stockholders if deemed necessary.
Section 7. No individual is permitted to advertise church services or hold any activities without the Official Board’s approval.
Article XV
Disciplinary Procedure
Section 1. The National Spiritual and Religious Camp Associations Disciplinary Procedures shall be as follows:
Church Members: A member who does not have registered attendance, identified financial support, definite service contribution, and demonstrated interest in loyalty within the preceding periods of three to six months may be removed from the list of members in good standing and placed on a list of inactive members.
1. The Official Board shall notify this member in writing that the member has been placed on a list of inactive members and is no longer in good standing.
2. The inactive member may be restored to the list of active members in good standing by a two-thirds vote of the Official Board followed by a probation period of three months before the member is considered to be in good standing.
3. The inactive member who is not restored during the period of three months immediately following the notification shall be considered a former member.
4. A former member may be restored to the list of members in good standing after meeting the criteria for membership. Followed by a probation period of six months before the member is considered to be in good standing.
5. While serving any probation periods the inactive member or former member stock in the NSRCA will be null and void.
6. If stock is null and void for any reason the inactive member or former member will have to reapply and purchase the stock again at a fall stockholders meeting.
Section 2.
Camp Members: A member who does not contribute interest in the better improvements of the grounds, identified financial support, and demonstrated non-participating in three consecutive stockholders' meetings may be removed from the list of members in good standing and placed on the list of inactive members.
1. The Official Board shall notify this member in writing that the member has been placed on a list of inactive members and is no longer in good standing.
2. The inactive member may be restored to the list of active members in good standing by a two-thirds vote of the Official Board followed by a probation period of three months before the member is considered to be in good standing.
3. The inactive member who is not restored during the period of three months immediately following the notification shall be considered a former member.
4. A former member may be restored to the list of members in good standing after meeting the criteria for membership. Followed by a probation period of six months before the member is considered to be in good standing.
5. While serving any probation periods the inactive member or former member stock in the NSRCA will be null and void.
6. If stock is null and void for any reason the inactive member or former member will have to reapply and purchase the stock again at a fall stockholders meeting.
Section 3.
Termination of Church/Camp Membership: Membership shall be terminated immediately for any of the following reasons:
- Death
- Transfer by letter to another church (Church membership only)
- Becoming disruptive or disorderly at any meeting of the NSRCA
- Becoming disruptive or disorderly while on any property of the NSRCA
- Exclusion by action of the Official Board through a two-thirds vote.
Section 4.
Cottage Owner: a cottage owner or occupant who does not own their lot(s), who does not abide by bylaws of the National Spiritual and Religious Camp Association, may be asked to remove that cottage from the property or be evicted for the following reasons:
- Abandonment or uninhabited cottage for more than six months consecutive. Special circumstances to be approved by the board.
- Non-payment of a lot lease for three years consecutive.
- The buying or selling of any cottage without Official Board approval.
- Excessive amounts of “junk,” “clutter,” abandoned vehicles, or animals on any improved or unimproved lot for more than one calendar year.
- Not being a current up-to-date stockholder of the NSRCA.
- Renting or leasing out a cottage without prior Official Board approval.