EDICT NO. 313

SYMBOL OF POWER AND AUTHORITY SHOULD ALWAYS BE WITH THE MASTER SITTING IN THE EAST

WHEREAS, the gavel is an emblem of the authority and an implement of the Master In the East in governing the Lodge;

WHEREAS, the gavel Is placed in the hands of the Master to help remind him to give proper instruction, to lead the Craft where they should go, and to set them on the path to contemplate higher things.

WHEREAS, the Constitution and Ordinances of the Grand Lodge expressly delegate full authority to the Master to govern the Lodge in accordance with our Masonic laws. There is only one Master of a Lodge, only one authority and only one leader, hence only one with the gavel;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ABRAHAM N. TOLENTINO, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate and decree:

The gavel is an emblem of the authority and an implement of the Master in the East in governing the Lodge. Thus, the gavel should always be in the hands of the Master sitting in the East;

When the Master sits in the East, the gavel lies on the table to be readily used to direct and govern the lodge and to make declarations and pronouncements;

But when the Master leaves the Oriental Chair, the gavel should be placed and tucked in with the apron to signify that the power and authority stay with the Master wherever he goes inside the Lodge to continue preserve and maintain order and subordination among the assembled brethren.

This will apply to the Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM), Grand Master’s Deputy or Representative, Worshipful Master and whoever sits in the East.

This Edict shall take effect immediately and shall be read in open lodge at the Stated Meeting next following its receipt, which fact of reading shall be recorded in the Minutes of the stated meeting of the Lodge.