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Article I
Name, Registered Office, Registered Agent and Fiscal Year
Section 1.01. Name.
The Hindu Temple of Amarillo (the “Temple”) is a nonprofit corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas. The Temple shall conduct its business under the name of Hindu Temple of Amarillo.
Section 1.02. Registered Office.
The registered office of the Hindu Temple of Amarillo shall be 9600 Chatham Road, Amarillo, Texas 79119, but such registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board of Trustees in the manner provided by law.
Section 1.03. Registered Agent.
The registered agent of the Temple in the State of Texas shall be such person as the Hindu Temple of Amarillo Board of Trustees (the “Board of Trustees”) may designate from time to time in the manner provided by law.
Section 1.04. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Temple shall be the calendar year.
Article II
Principles and Objectives
Section 2.01. Mission Statement.
To provide a unified place of worship for all followers of Hindu Sanatan Dharma in our community, always keep at the forefront the desire to make accommodations which encourage tolerance and respect for each other and for the various traditions and forms of worship.
Section 2.02. Principles.
The principles of the Temple shall include, but are not limited to the following:
Section 2.03. Objectives.
The religious, educational, social, and charitable objectives of the Temple shall be as follows:
a. Religious.
1. To perform religious services as per teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
2. To celebrate religious festivals according to Hindu tradition.
3. To arrange religious discourses.
4. To promote interfaith harmony.
b. Educational.
1. To educate children and adults as per teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
2. To inculcate family values and virtues of vegetarian lifestyle, free of drugs and alcohol.
3. To conduct classes in various facets of Hinduism and Indian culture, and arts, etc.
4. To set up a library and to acquire books and manuscripts on Hinduism, Indian culture, arts, etc.
5. To conduct research, symposiums, and seminars, etc.
6. To create a WEB site.
c. Social.
1. To provide a center for its members to worship, socialize, and to perform useful services.
2. To be a responsible organization in the community.
d. Charitable.
1. To help any needy individuals in time of crisis.
2. To support humanitarian causes.
e. Other.
Any other lawful purpose as voted from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
Article III
Members
Section 3.01. Eligibility.
Any individual meeting all of the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Temple:
Section 3.02. Categories of Membership.
Section 3.03. Meetings.
The annual meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of the members of the Temple for the election of officers/board members and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the members shall be held each year at a time, place, and date in the month of October as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees, or, if not so fixed, as may be determined by the President of the Temple. The Board of Trustees shall have the discretion to call additional meetings throughout the year as necessary with the appropriate notice as defined below. The founding Board of Trustees shall have the authority to call the first meeting of the Temple.
Section 3.04. Notice of Meetings.
Written notice of the place, date, and hour of any meeting shall be sent to each member entitled to vote at such meeting via the member’s last known e-mail address at least 5 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to alter the method of notice.
Section 3.05. Organization.
The President of the Temple shall preside at the meeting of the members, or in the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside. The Secretary of the Temple shall act as secretary at all meetings of the members, but in the absence of the Secretary, the President or Presiding Officer may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 3.06. Election of Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees shall consist of 5 members (“Board Member” or “Trustee”). Three (3) Board Members shall be elected from the Life membership category. Two (2) Board Members shall be elected from the Annual membership category.
Article IV
Founding Board of Trustees
Section 4.01. Oversight.
Oversight of the Temple and its activities shall be vested in the Founding Board of Trustees. These Founding Board Members shall be responsible for ensuring that all policies, directives, and activities are in compliance with the Temple’s mission statement, its principles, and its objectives as stated in Article II and reserve the right and power to dissolve any existing Board of Trustees to ensure such compliance if necessary.
Article V
Board of Trustees
Section 5.01. Control and Responsibilities.
Control of the Temple and its activities shall be vested in the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for achieving the Temple principles and objectives as stated in Article II. The Board of Trustees shall have the following duties and powers:
Section 5.02. Composition.
The Board of Trustees shall be composed of 5 members, but in no event shall the entire Board consist of less than 3 members.
Section 5.03. Qualifications for Trusteeship.
Three (3) of the five (5) members of the Board of Trustees shall be a member from the Life membership category. The remaining two (2) members shall be elected from the Annual membership category.
Section 5.04. Election.
The membership at large shall elect three (3) individuals to serve as Board Members from the Life membership category and shall elect the remaining two (2) members from the Annual membership category.
Section 5.05. Chairman and other Officers.
In the month of November of each year the newly constituted Board of Trustees shall elect for the following year the Chairman of the Board of Trustees from among its own members. The Chairman shall be the Constitutional Head of the Temple. The Chairman shall appoint the Vice-Chairman and Secretary with 51% approval by the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall preside over all Board of Trustee meetings.
Section 5.06. Term.
The terms of the Members of the Board of Trustees from the Life membership category shall be staggered. Board Members elected from the Life membership category shall serve staggered 3-year terms. For the first three years from the date of the first election of the Board of Trustees, one Board Member from this category shall serve a 1-year term, one Board Member from this category shall serve a 2- year term, and one Board Member from this category shall serve a 3-year term. Thereafter all members from this category shall each serve 3-year terms, which will be staggered every year. The remaining 2 Board Members elected from the Annual membership category shall each serve a 1-year term, to be elected every year. Thereafter, every year there shall be an election of 3 Board Members (1 from the Life membership category and 2 from the Annual membership category.) The Election of the Board of Trustees shall be held at the annual meeting of the membership of the Temple.
Section 5.07. Effective Date of Term.
The new Board of Trustees shall assume their full responsibilities on January 1 of the year following the election.
Election of Board Members
Name, Registered Office, Registered Agent and Fiscal Year
Section 1.01. Name.
The Hindu Temple of Amarillo (the “Temple”) is a nonprofit corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas. The Temple shall conduct its business under the name of Hindu Temple of Amarillo.
Section 1.02. Registered Office.
The registered office of the Hindu Temple of Amarillo shall be 9600 Chatham Road, Amarillo, Texas 79119, but such registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board of Trustees in the manner provided by law.
Section 1.03. Registered Agent.
The registered agent of the Temple in the State of Texas shall be such person as the Hindu Temple of Amarillo Board of Trustees (the “Board of Trustees”) may designate from time to time in the manner provided by law.
Section 1.04. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Temple shall be the calendar year.
Article II
Principles and Objectives
Section 2.01. Mission Statement.
To provide a unified place of worship for all followers of Hindu Sanatan Dharma in our community, always keep at the forefront the desire to make accommodations which encourage tolerance and respect for each other and for the various traditions and forms of worship.
Section 2.02. Principles.
The principles of the Temple shall include, but are not limited to the following:
- No idols, pictures, statutes, or symbols of living or deceased persons shall be placed permanently in the Temple or place of worship established or maintained by the Board of Trustees except as recognized by Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
- The use or storage of alcohol or tobacco products, meat, or any addictive material in any form, shape, or manner is strictly prohibited at the Temple or place of worship established or maintained by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2.03. Objectives.
The religious, educational, social, and charitable objectives of the Temple shall be as follows:
a. Religious.
1. To perform religious services as per teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
2. To celebrate religious festivals according to Hindu tradition.
3. To arrange religious discourses.
4. To promote interfaith harmony.
b. Educational.
1. To educate children and adults as per teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
2. To inculcate family values and virtues of vegetarian lifestyle, free of drugs and alcohol.
3. To conduct classes in various facets of Hinduism and Indian culture, and arts, etc.
4. To set up a library and to acquire books and manuscripts on Hinduism, Indian culture, arts, etc.
5. To conduct research, symposiums, and seminars, etc.
6. To create a WEB site.
c. Social.
1. To provide a center for its members to worship, socialize, and to perform useful services.
2. To be a responsible organization in the community.
d. Charitable.
1. To help any needy individuals in time of crisis.
2. To support humanitarian causes.
e. Other.
Any other lawful purpose as voted from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
Article III
Members
Section 3.01. Eligibility.
Any individual meeting all of the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Temple:
- 18 years of age or older, irrespective of color, race, sex, or national origin.
- Follower of Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
- Committed to the objectives and principles of the Temple.
- Of good character and reputation.
- Paying respective dues.
Section 3.02. Categories of Membership.
- Student membership. An individual who contributes $51 annually, during the calendar year, and is a part-time or full-time student at a college or university. Student must provide a student identification card.
- Annual membership. An individual and his/her family who contribute at least $101 in a single donation annually, during the calendar year.
- Life membership. An individual and his/her family as defined below, who contribute a minimum of $5000 before 3/31/07; or a single donation of $5,000 thereafter. Those Life members contributing at least $25,000 prior to 12/31/05 shall also be Founding Members.
- Family is defined as:
- Married couple.
- Unmarried children living in the same household.
- Dependent parents of the members and of their spouses living in the same household.
- Any person of 18 years of age or above.
Section 3.03. Meetings.
The annual meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of the members of the Temple for the election of officers/board members and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the members shall be held each year at a time, place, and date in the month of October as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees, or, if not so fixed, as may be determined by the President of the Temple. The Board of Trustees shall have the discretion to call additional meetings throughout the year as necessary with the appropriate notice as defined below. The founding Board of Trustees shall have the authority to call the first meeting of the Temple.
Section 3.04. Notice of Meetings.
Written notice of the place, date, and hour of any meeting shall be sent to each member entitled to vote at such meeting via the member’s last known e-mail address at least 5 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to alter the method of notice.
Section 3.05. Organization.
The President of the Temple shall preside at the meeting of the members, or in the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside. The Secretary of the Temple shall act as secretary at all meetings of the members, but in the absence of the Secretary, the President or Presiding Officer may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 3.06. Election of Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees shall consist of 5 members (“Board Member” or “Trustee”). Three (3) Board Members shall be elected from the Life membership category. Two (2) Board Members shall be elected from the Annual membership category.
Article IV
Founding Board of Trustees
Section 4.01. Oversight.
Oversight of the Temple and its activities shall be vested in the Founding Board of Trustees. These Founding Board Members shall be responsible for ensuring that all policies, directives, and activities are in compliance with the Temple’s mission statement, its principles, and its objectives as stated in Article II and reserve the right and power to dissolve any existing Board of Trustees to ensure such compliance if necessary.
Article V
Board of Trustees
Section 5.01. Control and Responsibilities.
Control of the Temple and its activities shall be vested in the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for achieving the Temple principles and objectives as stated in Article II. The Board of Trustees shall have the following duties and powers:
- To appoint officers of the Executive Committee should a vacancy arise prior to the meeting to elect new officers;
- To appoint accountants, auditors, attorneys, architects, builders and other such professionals as circumstances so warrant;
- To make all investment decisions regarding liquid assets of the Temple;
- To make any and all decisions regarding acquisition or disposition of all real and personal property;
- To take all actions necessary to construct, operate, and manage the Temple and related facilities, including priest quarters;
- To manage the financial affairs of the Temple in a fiscally responsible manner;
- To establish procedures for smooth functioning of the Temple and to promote its growth;
- To adjust membership dues and criteria;
- To review membership applications;
- To ensure the Temple is in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws;
- To file necessary tax returns and reports as needed;
- To take any other actions that the Board of Trustees considers necessary to achieve the stated objectives of the Temple.
Section 5.02. Composition.
The Board of Trustees shall be composed of 5 members, but in no event shall the entire Board consist of less than 3 members.
Section 5.03. Qualifications for Trusteeship.
Three (3) of the five (5) members of the Board of Trustees shall be a member from the Life membership category. The remaining two (2) members shall be elected from the Annual membership category.
Section 5.04. Election.
The membership at large shall elect three (3) individuals to serve as Board Members from the Life membership category and shall elect the remaining two (2) members from the Annual membership category.
Section 5.05. Chairman and other Officers.
In the month of November of each year the newly constituted Board of Trustees shall elect for the following year the Chairman of the Board of Trustees from among its own members. The Chairman shall be the Constitutional Head of the Temple. The Chairman shall appoint the Vice-Chairman and Secretary with 51% approval by the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall preside over all Board of Trustee meetings.
Section 5.06. Term.
The terms of the Members of the Board of Trustees from the Life membership category shall be staggered. Board Members elected from the Life membership category shall serve staggered 3-year terms. For the first three years from the date of the first election of the Board of Trustees, one Board Member from this category shall serve a 1-year term, one Board Member from this category shall serve a 2- year term, and one Board Member from this category shall serve a 3-year term. Thereafter all members from this category shall each serve 3-year terms, which will be staggered every year. The remaining 2 Board Members elected from the Annual membership category shall each serve a 1-year term, to be elected every year. Thereafter, every year there shall be an election of 3 Board Members (1 from the Life membership category and 2 from the Annual membership category.) The Election of the Board of Trustees shall be held at the annual meeting of the membership of the Temple.
Section 5.07. Effective Date of Term.
The new Board of Trustees shall assume their full responsibilities on January 1 of the year following the election.
Election of Board Members
LM= Board Member from Life Membership Category
AM= Board Member from Annual Membership Category
X= Elect Member
Section 5.08. Vacancies.
In the event of death or resignation of a Board Member during his/her term, the Board of Trustees shall summon a meeting of its members to appoint a member from within the same category as the resigning member. This Board Member shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the original Board Member. In the event that there are 3 or less Members serving on the Board of Trustees due to vacancies, the Founding members shall appoint Board Members from either the Annual or Life membership category to fill the vacancies.
Section 5.09. Resignation.
Any Trustee may resign from office at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing, and shall not take effect until accepted by the Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Such resignation shall not discharge any accrued obligation or duty of the Board Member.
Section 5.10. Removal.
Any Board Member may be removed at any time by a vote of 3 out of 5 Board Members then in office at any special meeting of the Board of Trustees called for that purpose, provided that at least one week’s notice of the proposed action has been given to the entire Board then in office. All Board Members shall vote regardless of whether they can be present at the meeting. In the event of an absence, the absent Board Member shall give written proxy to another Board Member solely for the purpose of deciding whether to remove the Board Member.
Section 5.11. Meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Meetings may be held at any time within or without the City of Amarillo as the Board may from time to time fix. The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees shall be held immediately following the annual meeting of the members. Other regular meetings of the Board shall be determined by Board Members.
Section 5.12. Quorum and Voting.
No quorum is required for the transaction of business or any specified item of business. A vote of the majority of the Board Members present at the time of the vote shall be the act of the Board of Trustees.
Section 5.13. Compensation.
All members of the Board shall serve in a voluntary capacity without any compensation in the form of cash, goods, or services.
Article VI
Officers
Section 6.01. General Provisions.
The officers of the Temple shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Joint Secretary, and a Treasurer. This body shall be called the Executive Committee. As it becomes necessary, the Executive Committee may increase its membership to include heads of various committees.
Section 6.02. Election, term of office, vacancies.
The officers comprising the Executive Committee shall be elected by the general membership for a one-year term at the annual meeting of the Temple. In the case of a vacancy, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees has the authority to appoint a member in good standing to serve on the Executive Committee. Any officers appointed by the Chairman shall hold office until a newly elected administration assumes control.
Section 6.03. Effective Date of Term.
The new Officers shall assume their full responsibilities on January 1 of the year following the election.
Section 6.04. Powers and duties of Officers.
All officers shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations and all religious activities shall be vested in the Executive Committee. The President is authorized to spend $1500 annually as related to Temple activities. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for formulating an annual budget to present to the Board of Trustees for approval.
President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee, shall perform all duties customary to that office and shall supervise and control all the daily affairs of the Temple in accordance with the constitution, by-laws, policies, and directives set by the Board of Trustees.
Vice-President. The Vice-President shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Board. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President.
Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the membership of the Temple, and in general, shall perform all duties customary to the office of secretary.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Temple. He/she shall keep or cause to be kept complete and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements of the Temple funds, and shall deposit all monies and other valuable property of the Temple in the name of the Hindu Temple of Amarillo in such banks or depositories as the Board of Trustees may designate. Whenever required by the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shall render a statement of accounts, which shall be no less frequent than on a quarterly basis. The Treasurer shall also render a statement of accounts at the annual meeting.
Article VII
Amendments and Dissolution
Section 7.01. Amendments.
The Founding Board of Trustees is the only body with authority to propose and approve amendments to the Constitution and its by-laws.
Section 7.02. Dissolution.
The Board of Trustees may propose to dissolve the Temple at the annual meeting if the entire membership has been notified of the proposed dissolution by e-mail, to the member’s last known e-mail address, at least 3 months prior to the annual meeting. The members present at this meeting shall dispose of the assets of the Temple to religious, educational, charitable or any other organizations that have been recognized as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article VIII
Publicity
Section 8.01. Publicity.
The President and the Chairman of the Board are the only persons authorized to respond to media requests for information. The President and Chairman of the Board should work together when possible before responding to any media requests.
Article IX
Policies and Procedures
Section 9.01. Policies and Procedures.
The President shall be responsible for communicating Temple policies and procedures to the membership. Newly adopted policies shall be posted conspicuously for the public to inspect. Once a reasonable time for inspection has occurred the President shall in his/her discretion remove the policy from public viewing, but shall at all times maintain a copy of all of the policies and procedures at the Temple for viewing upon request.
Article X
New Policies constituted since Temple Sthapana
Section 10.01. August 2011. Member vs Non Member Fee.
The Board enacted a policy to charge a differential fee for Pujas between members and non members for sponsorship to encourage membership in the temple.
Section 10.02. November 2011. Donation for Mahaprasad.
The board has made a determination that a donation of $1 will be collected from all devotees at the time Mahaprasad is served. This applies to all events that have been sponsored by devotees except for events sponsored by HTA.
Section 10.03. December 2011. Membership dues.
All annual membership fees are due by the last day of March for the fiscal year.
Section 10.04. January 2012. Calendar.
A web based interactive calendar for volunteering will be established for all members to view temple opening times and events at the temple.
Section 10.05. April 2012. Idol/Photos Placement in the Temple.
No idols, photographs or any objects can be placed in and around the area(on, behind or around the raised dias) where the permanent deities are installed. This is to protect the sanctity of the temple. Devotees are welcome to offer puja on specific days to idols or photos by placing them in the front area. They have to be removed to the back area after puja is performed. No exceptions on the policy will be made.
Section 10.06. September 2012. Weddings at temple.
The board approves the performance of wedding rites at the temple. The policy as added on at this time will be applicable to the wedding rites only. If an outside priest is employed for the ceremony, the board has to approve the priest. Prasad can be served as part of the ceremony. The temple does not allow the serving of catered food or meals as part of the ceremony at the temple. A cleaning deposit of $100 along with the fee has to be paid at the time of reservation of dates. The fee will be $101 per day. The deposit will be returned after inspection of the temple.
Section 10.07. December 2019. Use of Temple Email Database.
The Board does not endorse nor permit the use of the Temple Email database to send out Emails regarding any Non- Temple activities or events. This includes any solicitations from devotees and organizations asking for Emails to be sent out to our devotees by the Temple Committee using the Amarillo Mandir Email.
The use of this E mail is restricted to Events conducted by the Board/Committee of the Hindu Temple of Amarillo.