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Edict No. 43
Prayer in Lodge (rules for conduct of prayer)

EDICT NO. 43

PRAYER IN LODGE

WHEREAS, The Holy Bible, in the opening and closing of the Lodge, is often handled rather roughly, opened and closed abruptly, and otherwise manipulated in a manner incongruous of the circumstances of object, place and purpose;

WHEREAS, in some Lodges, Prayer is conducted in a hasty and garbled fashion without the due formality and devotion;

WHEREAS, such improper manner in the performance of those rituals which rank among the most beautiful and solemn in Masonic character and symbolism, bespeaks lack of even rudimental understanding of the nature of our Ancient Craft.

WHEREAS, Prayer should be performed with earnestness, respect and sincerity, and in a dignified manner expressive of the truly religious character and sentiments of the members of our Craft; and,

WHEREAS, to give Prayer in our Lodges the dignity, impressiveness and solemnity that it should have, it is deemed necessary to adopt a rule by which the brethren may be guided during the Prayer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MACARIO M. OFILADA, Grand Master of Masons of the M.W. Grand Lodge of the Philippines, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by our Constitution, do hereby.

DECREE

  1. That every Prayer, when performed by the Chaplain, shall be said at the Altar, the Chaplain kneeling at its West side, facing East, except in the second section of the Third Degree, when the Chaplain shall kneel at the East side, facing West;

  2. That during Prayer all shall stand at attention, bow their heads, and be at the sign of Fidelity - right hand place over the heart;

  3. That every Prayer shall be read or recited by either the Master or Chaplain, except that in the First Degrees the Senior Deacon may recite the Prayer as the candidate kneels at the center of the Lodge;

  4. That In the absence of the Lodge Chaplain, the Master shall appoint a Chaplain pro tempore who shall act as such until the closing of the Lodge;

  5. That during the reading or recital of those portions of the Scriptures allotted to the Perambulation In each of the three degrees, when performed by the Chaplain, he shall stand at the West side of the Altar, facing East;

  6. That the Holy Bible shall be handled tenderly and reverently on all occasion, opened and closed slowly and tenderly, with all present observing complete hush and utmost reverence.

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand Lodge in the City of Manila, Republic of the Philippines, this 11th day of June, 1959.

(Sgd.) MACARIO M. OFILADA Grand Master ATTEST:

(Sgd.) ESTEBAN MUNARRIZ, PGM Grand Secretary