52c
A MASO]\'IC REVIE''''
1968
ing candidates as to their proficiency in the se\'cral deg-rees, the followingresolution was adopted: A resolution intended to: 1. :\lake stated communications more attractive in some lodges, thereby increasing- attendance, and 2. Eliminate to some extent, "drop outs." WHEREAS, Section 276 of the Digest of Laws requires that a candidate be examined in open lodge in the lecture of the degree already taken before being advanced, and must in like manner prove his proficiency in the lecture of the Master's Degree; and WHEREAS, It is a known fact that a number of men who would have made good Masons have given up \'iasonry altog-ether because of their fear of what is obviously a nerve wracking experience for the majority of candidates, especially the Entered Apprentices; and \VHEREAS, It is not unusual for an active lodge to examine on all three degrees at one stated communication, thereby extending the meeting by at lea'it one hour, resulting in many of the brethren leaving before the business of the lodge is discussed, and among those who remain arc many who use this examining period to visit with the adjacent Brethren; and \VIIERFAS, \Ve have no qualms about sitting- in lodge with a stranger vouched for by a committee appointed by the Worshipful Master (why then should we insist on our own candidates being examined and voted on by all the Brethren present?); and \VJlEREAS, \Ve should endeavor to create greater interest in Masonry by having short interesting and well planned meeting-s; Now Therefore Be It Resolved, J. That the Worshipful Master, with the consent of the lodge, may appoint a committee of three competent 'faster Masons to examine, in a place other than the Lodge room, a candidate upon his proficiency in a degree already taken. This committee shall make its report in open lodge and a simple majority vote of those present shall be required to accept the report. 2. That this in no way precludes a lodge from examining its candidates in open lodge if it so desires. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: The Committee on Work and Lectures offered the following resolution in an attempt to legislate against levity in the Second Section of the Third Degree: Despite the admonition of Grand Masters in former years, proper decorum is not being maintained in some of our lodges during the second section of the Master Mason's Degree. Your Committee on \Vork and Lectures accordingly recommends adoption by the Grand Lodge of the following Standing Resolution: "Resolved, That, before the beginning of the second section of the Master Mason's Degree while the lodge is at refreshment and just before the first candidate enters the room, the \\'orsbipful Master, or a brother designated by him, shall assume the East and address the brethren as follows: "The second section of the Master Mason's Degree constitutes a most solemn and impressive portion of our ritualistic work. In it are taught the ultimate lessons of Masonic philosophy-victory over death and the immortality of the soul. Nothing must be allowed to impair the deep impression which should be made upon the mind of the candidate. Accordingly, the Grand Lodge frowns upon any levity, horse-play or undue roughness and has, therefore, directed that there be no such actions and no audible laug-hter or other noise in the lodge room which might distract the attention of the candidate. Absolute quiet is enjoined upon each of