EDICT NO. 78

WHEREAS, neither our Rituals nor our Constitution contain any guiding instruction or reference as to what specific Chapter or verse(s) of the Holy Bible is appropriate and symbolic to open the ceremonies of the First, Second and Third Degrees;

WHEREAS, the present practice which has been traditionally observed by most of our subordinate lodges to display the Holy Bible during the opening ceremonies is to open it on:

Psalm 133, Book of Psalms, Verses 1 to 3

• for the First degree

Chapter 13, Verses 1 to 7 & 13, First Corinthians

• for the Second Degree

Chapter 12, Verses 1 to 7, Ecclesiastes

• for the Third Degree

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SIMEON RENE LACSON, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, to preserve our ancient practice and usages as well as for the sake of uniformity in the rituals of our symbolic lodges, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested by our Constitution, do hereby promulgate and decree that:

DURING THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD DEGREES OF MASONRY, THE HOLY BIBLE SHOULD BE DISPLAYED ON THE ABOVE CITED PSALMS, CHAPTERS AND VERSES IN REFERENCE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE DEGREES.

This Edict is supplementary to Edict No. 43 (Oflada) and shall be read in open Lodge following its receipt, and this action noted in the minutes of the Lodge.

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge, at the City of Manila, Philippines, on this 19th day of October, 1981.

(Sgd.) SIMEON RENE LACSON Grand Master ATTEST:

(Sgd.) MANUEL M. CRUDO, PGM Grand Secretary