Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar01000
Second . If he is a Paat Master and resides within our jurisdiction he can present a petition . Third . If he is a Past Master residing outside of our
jurisdiction , the consent of his own Grand High Priest must be obtained in the usual manner before he can present a petition . The remedy for those 'who are not Past Masters is to
withdraw from their Lodge , unite with a Pennsylvania
Lodgo and pass the chair by dispensation , when they will be qualified to make application to the Chapter . It is to be regretted that uniformity of usage regarding the Past Master ' s Degree cannot be established , and as this is the
principal point of difference between the other American Grand Chapters and ourselves , for which we have been mildly referred to as " conservative , " " old fogey , "and our position alluded to as an isolated one , it may be well to
contemplate the subject and ascertain to what extent our practice is supported by common sense and ancient usage and custom . I have taken pains to examine authorities
and find that some very eminent ones express views incon sistent with the practice of their respective Grand Chapers A well known author of New York says :
" In point of fact , the degree of Past Master is out of place in the Chapter , and baa no right there . It belongs to the Blue Lodge . * * # In the Chapter it has no significance nor pertinence whatever —ifc is simply an act without meaning , and mars greatly the beauty of' Royal Arch Masonry . ' "
A distinguished writer of the District of Columbia says , that originally it was always conferred in Lodges and that "the jurisdiction over it by Chapters is altogether an assumed one . "
An English author , in a letter to Grand High Priest Meyer , dated 1 st October 1872 , and published in our Proceedings of that year says :
" It seems to have been the custom ( in fact was ) of the Grand Lodge according to the Old Constitutions ( called the ' Ancients' ) to confer the Past Master ' s Degree in a Craft Lodge to candidates for Royal Arch Masonry . "
which is precisely what we in Pennsylvania do to-day . In another part of the same letter he says : " Until recently , in Scotland the system of Capitular Free Masonry prevailing in the United States was adopted , but at the Grand Lodge
held 5 th of February last , ifc was decided to return to the old English system , and hence the Grand Chapter of Scotland has retired from the control of the Past Master's Degree , and left it entirely in the hands of the Grand Lodge . "
I regret that I have not space to quote this letter in full , and would refer those to it who desire to pursue the subject further . Its whole tenonr is that the degree originated in the Lodge , that it was designed for the use of the Lodge ,
and that it is out of place anywhere else . I might multiply quotations and enlarge upon them , but enough has been said to show that the practice of conferring the degree in Chapters is a modern innovation , and that our Grand
Chapter is the only one in this country that has observed that time-honoured precept which admonishes us to reject all attempts to improve Free Masonry and to adhere strictly to ancient usage , custom and landmark . The name , Past
Master , signifies that it is an honorary distinction given to a brother who has passed through the office of Master , and as Lodges are the only Masonic bodies governed by Masters , a sensible view of the matter would indicate
that it should be given to the brother entitled to it by the body in which he has attained tho distinction , and why it should be conferred by any other authority , or how two
different bodies can consistently exercise jurisdiction over the same degree is something which our friends have never explained .
In connection with the Past Master ' s degree , a point of law demands notice . A Chapter has no right to receive a petition for the degrees and membership unless it has Masonic knowledge that the applicant has passed the chair
and is in reality what he professes to be , a Past Master Mason . In order to expedite matters and enable an applicant to become a Royal Arch Mason two or three weeks earlier than he otherwise would , Chapters have been
known to receive a petition , and the signer has passed the chair after the petition was presented , and before he came forward to take the degrees . This is a violation of the
law which cannot be permitted to go unnoticed . A brother cannot conscientiously sign a petition stating that he is a Past Master _ until ho is one , nor can a Chapter acting in the same spirit receive it . The office of District Deputy Grand High Priest is not second in importance to any in the gift of the Grand Hi ° -h
Ar01001
Priest , and not the least of his responsibilities is the selec
tion of competent Companions for these appointments . The ideal officer should be so thoroughly conversant with the ritual as to be able to detect and correct errors in it , and so well acquaintad with the law as to be able to decide
questions submitted to him . These things he should know , but these are not enough ; he shonld know how to discharge his duties with tact , and his deportment should be so gentlemanly that intercourse with him will be agreable
to the Chapters in his charge . He should never lose sight of his allegiance to the Grand Chapter and shonld with gentle firmnes ; insist npon strict conformity to its Constitution and edicts . As he is supposed to be better
acquainted with the condition and necessities of his District than any one else , the Grand High Priest is disposed to defer to a great extent to his opinions , and therefore the prosperity of Capitular Masonry in his District will depend
upon his judgement and discretion . He is the representative of the Grand High Priest , and his Chapters should address him upon all questions affecting their interest . Although the Constitution , in section 21 , defines his powers
and duties , my own experience is that many Chapters have very crude ideas concerning them , and for the benefit ol all concerned I will endeavour to explain them more fully It is his duty to visit his Chapters at least once a year ,
and oftener if he deems it necessary ; to examine their condition and give them such counsel as the peculiarities of each case demand . He should examine the inmates annually , observing that the Proceedings of the Chapter
are fully expressed , and that nothing improper is committed to writing . Irregularities are sometimes discovered only by an inspection of the minutes . He should make a
written report in the minute book , commending the Secretary when he finds his duties well performed , or suggesting such improvements as may be needed . He shonld see that the annual returns and dues are forwarded
to the Grand Secretary at the proper time , and he should , at the close of each year , make a full report of his official acts to the Grand High Priest . He should visit the Grand Chapter at least twice in each year , to become familiar
with its working and details , and should read its annual reports , which will assist him to decide questions submitted to him . He has no power to grant dispensations for any purpose whatever . He is not appointed for the purpose
of doing the work of his Chapters , suchas conferring degrees , and it must not be expected of him . It is a popular error that he alone has authority to instal newly elected officers .
While there can bo no objection to his doing so , it is no part of his duty , either expressed or implied , and if High Priests who sometimes ask whether it wonld ba lawful for
them to instal their own successors would read the warrants of their Chapters thoy would not ask the question . He should see that each High Priest in his District is in possession of the order of High Priesthood and is competent
to give it to his successor when installed . He should be energetic and active , and constantly on tho alert to protect the interests of the Grand Chapter , and of the Chapters committed to his care . If he proves incompetent , or neglects
his duty , or any one feels aggrieved by his action , the remedy lies in an appeal to the Grand High Priest , and no Companion need fear that an appeal when properly presented will be unheard . The Chapter is not sufficiently appreciated and does
not receive that consideration and attention which its importance deserves . Too many regard it only as a passage way and probationary station between tbe Lodge and Commandery . Too many Master Masons , attracted
by ghtter : ng swords and waving plumes , bewail their fate because obliged to pass through tho Chapter , and do so without any proper realization of the beauty and importance of its degrees . Too many Chapters are
regarded as necessary nuisances which must be tolerated for the purpose of repairing material for what they are pleased to term the higher body . This is nob as ifc should be , and no intelligent Free Mason holds such an opinion . The Lod
ge is the source of all Masonic light , and is the trunk which supports and gives life to the different branches of the Masonic system , and while we acknowledge its supremacy with loyal hearts , we must not ; forget that
the Chapter lias an individuality of its own , a place to fill and a mission to accomplish ; and that were ifc placed in the background or torn bodily from the fabric that the
beautiful proportions of our majestic fraternity would be disfigured beyond repair . In richness of ritual , Masonic significance , and hi & torigal importance , the Chapter degrees
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar01000
Second . If he is a Paat Master and resides within our jurisdiction he can present a petition . Third . If he is a Past Master residing outside of our
jurisdiction , the consent of his own Grand High Priest must be obtained in the usual manner before he can present a petition . The remedy for those 'who are not Past Masters is to
withdraw from their Lodge , unite with a Pennsylvania
Lodgo and pass the chair by dispensation , when they will be qualified to make application to the Chapter . It is to be regretted that uniformity of usage regarding the Past Master ' s Degree cannot be established , and as this is the
principal point of difference between the other American Grand Chapters and ourselves , for which we have been mildly referred to as " conservative , " " old fogey , "and our position alluded to as an isolated one , it may be well to
contemplate the subject and ascertain to what extent our practice is supported by common sense and ancient usage and custom . I have taken pains to examine authorities
and find that some very eminent ones express views incon sistent with the practice of their respective Grand Chapers A well known author of New York says :
" In point of fact , the degree of Past Master is out of place in the Chapter , and baa no right there . It belongs to the Blue Lodge . * * # In the Chapter it has no significance nor pertinence whatever —ifc is simply an act without meaning , and mars greatly the beauty of' Royal Arch Masonry . ' "
A distinguished writer of the District of Columbia says , that originally it was always conferred in Lodges and that "the jurisdiction over it by Chapters is altogether an assumed one . "
An English author , in a letter to Grand High Priest Meyer , dated 1 st October 1872 , and published in our Proceedings of that year says :
" It seems to have been the custom ( in fact was ) of the Grand Lodge according to the Old Constitutions ( called the ' Ancients' ) to confer the Past Master ' s Degree in a Craft Lodge to candidates for Royal Arch Masonry . "
which is precisely what we in Pennsylvania do to-day . In another part of the same letter he says : " Until recently , in Scotland the system of Capitular Free Masonry prevailing in the United States was adopted , but at the Grand Lodge
held 5 th of February last , ifc was decided to return to the old English system , and hence the Grand Chapter of Scotland has retired from the control of the Past Master's Degree , and left it entirely in the hands of the Grand Lodge . "
I regret that I have not space to quote this letter in full , and would refer those to it who desire to pursue the subject further . Its whole tenonr is that the degree originated in the Lodge , that it was designed for the use of the Lodge ,
and that it is out of place anywhere else . I might multiply quotations and enlarge upon them , but enough has been said to show that the practice of conferring the degree in Chapters is a modern innovation , and that our Grand
Chapter is the only one in this country that has observed that time-honoured precept which admonishes us to reject all attempts to improve Free Masonry and to adhere strictly to ancient usage , custom and landmark . The name , Past
Master , signifies that it is an honorary distinction given to a brother who has passed through the office of Master , and as Lodges are the only Masonic bodies governed by Masters , a sensible view of the matter would indicate
that it should be given to the brother entitled to it by the body in which he has attained tho distinction , and why it should be conferred by any other authority , or how two
different bodies can consistently exercise jurisdiction over the same degree is something which our friends have never explained .
In connection with the Past Master ' s degree , a point of law demands notice . A Chapter has no right to receive a petition for the degrees and membership unless it has Masonic knowledge that the applicant has passed the chair
and is in reality what he professes to be , a Past Master Mason . In order to expedite matters and enable an applicant to become a Royal Arch Mason two or three weeks earlier than he otherwise would , Chapters have been
known to receive a petition , and the signer has passed the chair after the petition was presented , and before he came forward to take the degrees . This is a violation of the
law which cannot be permitted to go unnoticed . A brother cannot conscientiously sign a petition stating that he is a Past Master _ until ho is one , nor can a Chapter acting in the same spirit receive it . The office of District Deputy Grand High Priest is not second in importance to any in the gift of the Grand Hi ° -h
Ar01001
Priest , and not the least of his responsibilities is the selec
tion of competent Companions for these appointments . The ideal officer should be so thoroughly conversant with the ritual as to be able to detect and correct errors in it , and so well acquaintad with the law as to be able to decide
questions submitted to him . These things he should know , but these are not enough ; he shonld know how to discharge his duties with tact , and his deportment should be so gentlemanly that intercourse with him will be agreable
to the Chapters in his charge . He should never lose sight of his allegiance to the Grand Chapter and shonld with gentle firmnes ; insist npon strict conformity to its Constitution and edicts . As he is supposed to be better
acquainted with the condition and necessities of his District than any one else , the Grand High Priest is disposed to defer to a great extent to his opinions , and therefore the prosperity of Capitular Masonry in his District will depend
upon his judgement and discretion . He is the representative of the Grand High Priest , and his Chapters should address him upon all questions affecting their interest . Although the Constitution , in section 21 , defines his powers
and duties , my own experience is that many Chapters have very crude ideas concerning them , and for the benefit ol all concerned I will endeavour to explain them more fully It is his duty to visit his Chapters at least once a year ,
and oftener if he deems it necessary ; to examine their condition and give them such counsel as the peculiarities of each case demand . He should examine the inmates annually , observing that the Proceedings of the Chapter
are fully expressed , and that nothing improper is committed to writing . Irregularities are sometimes discovered only by an inspection of the minutes . He should make a
written report in the minute book , commending the Secretary when he finds his duties well performed , or suggesting such improvements as may be needed . He shonld see that the annual returns and dues are forwarded
to the Grand Secretary at the proper time , and he should , at the close of each year , make a full report of his official acts to the Grand High Priest . He should visit the Grand Chapter at least twice in each year , to become familiar
with its working and details , and should read its annual reports , which will assist him to decide questions submitted to him . He has no power to grant dispensations for any purpose whatever . He is not appointed for the purpose
of doing the work of his Chapters , suchas conferring degrees , and it must not be expected of him . It is a popular error that he alone has authority to instal newly elected officers .
While there can bo no objection to his doing so , it is no part of his duty , either expressed or implied , and if High Priests who sometimes ask whether it wonld ba lawful for
them to instal their own successors would read the warrants of their Chapters thoy would not ask the question . He should see that each High Priest in his District is in possession of the order of High Priesthood and is competent
to give it to his successor when installed . He should be energetic and active , and constantly on tho alert to protect the interests of the Grand Chapter , and of the Chapters committed to his care . If he proves incompetent , or neglects
his duty , or any one feels aggrieved by his action , the remedy lies in an appeal to the Grand High Priest , and no Companion need fear that an appeal when properly presented will be unheard . The Chapter is not sufficiently appreciated and does
not receive that consideration and attention which its importance deserves . Too many regard it only as a passage way and probationary station between tbe Lodge and Commandery . Too many Master Masons , attracted
by ghtter : ng swords and waving plumes , bewail their fate because obliged to pass through tho Chapter , and do so without any proper realization of the beauty and importance of its degrees . Too many Chapters are
regarded as necessary nuisances which must be tolerated for the purpose of repairing material for what they are pleased to term the higher body . This is nob as ifc should be , and no intelligent Free Mason holds such an opinion . The Lod
ge is the source of all Masonic light , and is the trunk which supports and gives life to the different branches of the Masonic system , and while we acknowledge its supremacy with loyal hearts , we must not ; forget that
the Chapter lias an individuality of its own , a place to fill and a mission to accomplish ; and that were ifc placed in the background or torn bodily from the fabric that the
beautiful proportions of our majestic fraternity would be disfigured beyond repair . In richness of ritual , Masonic significance , and hi & torigal importance , the Chapter degrees