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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1950
It is also true that to impress indelibly upon the mind of the candidate the teachings of Freemasonry the degrees must be conferred properly and impressively. To accomplish this purpose the officers of each Lodge and the Brethren 'who participate in the degree work must attain a satisfactory degree of ritualistic proficiency. Much credit is due M. Wor. Bro. Anthony F. Ittner, who for 14 years has occupied the office of Grand Lecturer, and his corps of efficient District Lecturers, for their untiring efforts to impart ritualistic instruction. I cannot escape the conclusion, however, that there is a growing tendency to stress unduly the importance of the ritual, thus losing sight of the real purpose of Masonry. The Ritual is not Masonry and ritualistic proficiency alone does not make a man a Freemason. Furthermore, Masonry would not long survive as a dominant spiritual and moral force were its only purpose the conferring of degrees. Let us keep ever in mind that the degrees are but markers which point out the road down which the candidate must travel until through knowledge and understanding of the true and fundamental purposes of Masonry he attains the status of Master Mason. Masonry will fulfill its mission only as the teachings of the fraternity are put into practice. ORDER OF DEMOLAY
One of the finest of all youth organizations is the DeMolay. Organized some' 30 years ago the growth of the Order has been little short of phenomenal. Today the membership is over one million and is international in scope. In over a thousand Chapters Masonic teachings are inculcated through the medium of an impressive ritual. From the DeMolay Chapters come the citizens and in many instances the Freemasons of tomorrow. At a time when Masonry and Masonic influence are so essential to the welfare of our nation it is my opinion that this organization of trained young men deserves some recognition from Masonry. I do not recommend or even suggest sponsorship of DeMolay Chapters by Masonic Lodges but I do believe that moral support at least is in order. Certainly Masons as individuals should wecome the opportunity to encourage the boys of the DeMolay to attain a true understanding of the basic principles of our fraternity, thus preparing them for future Masonic membership. MASONIC HOME CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE
For many years a Committee known as the Masonic Home Christmas Committee rendered a fine service in bringing cheer and happiness to the members of the Home family, not only at Christmas but during