EDICT NO. 65

NEWLY RAISED MASTER MASONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE YORK AND SCOTTISH RITE BODIES

WHEREAS, the taking of Degrees does not necessarily make a man a Mason, we therefore, should be committed to a greater effort and proficiency in the Tenets, Principles and Ideals of the Craft, especially in the first degrees which are the very foundation of all Masonry;

WHEREAS, there is a greater need for us to sincerely apply our teachings that we learn in the ritual of the first three degrees to our everyday LIFE. One step at a time, so that we are proficient, we feel that more and more time should be spent in our apprenticeship before we move on to our Appendant bodies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM C. COUNCELL, Grand Master of the Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, do hereby repeal Edict Nos. 41, 42, and 53 and in lieu thereof do hereby decree that before a Master Mason under this jurisdiction can be accepted as a candidate for the degrees of Masonry of any Rite, Order or Body, it shall be the Masonic duty of the Secretary, Recorder or Scribe of that Rite, Order or Body to verify from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Office of the Grand Secretary, that the candidate has been a Master Mason in good standing for at least twelve (12) months and has attended at least seventy percent (70%) of his Symbolic Lodge Meeting within these twelve (12) months and immediately after he was raised as a Master Mason. Provided, Further, that he must also fulfill every imposition of Edict No. 60 as stated.

Some leniency can be provided to persons serving in the Armed Forces, and Foreign Consular Corps. who cannot meet the residence requirements. At the discretion of the Grand Master, proper dispensation, after due consideration and careful study of each and every case, can be issued.

This Edict shall be read in open Lodge at the first Stated Meeting held after the receipt thereof.

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge, at Manila, Philippines, this 8th day of March, 1973.

(Sgd.) WILLIAM C. COUNCELL Grand Master

ATTEST:

(Sgd.) ESTEBAN MUNARRIZ, PGM Grand Secretary