It would seem, even to a casual observer, that many of our Lodges are getting far away from a thorough understanding of the Second Section of the Third Degree if one may judge by the manner in which this very important and beautiful portion of our work is sometimes conferred. I am thinking especially of the liberties which we take with it - liberties which we would not for a moment think of taking with any other part of the ritual. Here seems to come a kind of let-down, all of the meticulous care bestowed upon the work up to this point is thrown aside. In place of an accuracy upon which we pride ourselves in other parts of the ritual carelessness creeps in. Let us look for a moment at some of the features of the Second Section, for most of the innovations referred to are due, I believe, to a lack of appreciation of the beauty of the Work there unfolded. Is there any Mason of us who does not feel the solemnity of the moment when for the first time a class of candidates enters the Lodge-room? We are proud of the atmosphere of quiet dignity that prevails; we resent idle banter and jests at such a time - for are we not engaged in the serious business of bringing light to the minds of those who have placed themselves, for the time being, in our care?

Too, we remember thoroughly the manner of introducing the candidate to Masonry. We teach him the need of prayer before entering upon any great and important undertaking. We the wells of his faith in Almighty God, and clasp his hind in assurance that his faith is well founded.

How superb is such a commencement of his Masonic career. In simple, childlike reverence he proceeds; at every step his feet are guided and he fears no danger. Repeatedly his mind is led to contemplate his Creator, and to consider the seriousness of moral obligations and the truth that "no man liveth unto himself along." All those who have gathered here are his Brethren, and none there is whom he need fear.

Why do so many Lodges disturb such a setting and compel their candidates to feel that all that has proceeded the Second Section of this degree may be but an illusion? Why do we so often throw decorum to the winds by shouts of raucous glee?

And why, above all, do we presume to set at naught Section 36 of the Grand Lodge Constitutions by an abrupt departure from the ritual as Grand Lodge it to us?

This section of the work contains passages as sublime as any to be found in the three Degrees. In it are lines as any to be found some of the most beautiful lessons of Masonry. Here is neither time nor place to indulge in crude comedy for the amusement of those on the sidelines, scenes to be greeted with peals of laughter. Undue roughness teaches - absolutely nothing! Rather it serves to put the candidate in a frame of mind exactly the opposite of that desired; we succeed only in shattering ideals we have striven previously to instill in his mind; because we ourselves have failed to comprehend the beauty of this Section it is lout to the candidate. During the past five years I have seen this Section of the Third Degree "put on" by many Lodges, and a number of conclusions have formed in my mind. For one thing, if I were Master of a Lodge I would never permit any organization not a part of some one particular Lodge to render its particular drama, especially if that organization bore a reputation for undue roughness. I would remember that, no matter who was doing the work, I was Master and would not for a single moment countenance behavior unbecoming the traditions of my Lodge. No elaborate drama, with robes, trappings, and false whiskers, can equal the simple rendition of the work as Grand Lodge gives it to us. Frequently these adornments by their unfitness are an anachronism in themselves and simply add to the farce. Moreover, since few of us are actors why try to act? If we find ourselves assigned to a part for which we are unsuited, the use of artificial means simply defeats our purpose.

If those Lodges which Set aside the regular work of the Second Section to us an elaboration of their own would put the same amount of time, energy and thought upon the ritual as Grand Lodge gives it, the work would take on new beauties, and a significance hitherto undreamed of. We seem to believe that Section 36 of the Constitutions of Grand Lodge refers to all the work except the last. Not for a moment would we permit any one to tamper with the rest of the ritual. At the Grand Lecturer's Conventions no portion of our Work is so difficult of exemplification as this part of the ritual. The situation in large part may be attributed to the fact that many Lodges have their own drama, or form of rendition, and arrogate to themselves the right to employ their own language.

In the Second Section, a number of lessons are taught, lessons just as profound and beautiful as are to be found in any other portion of the work. Here are imparted the teachings of reverence and devotion to Almighty God. Here we are taught to rely upon Him in all we do, and to invoke His aid before entering upon any great an important undertaking. This was taught in the First Degree. It is reemphasized here. Where, then, is room for humor?

And the lesson of integrity - there place for mirth here? Or the lesson of wise men unselfishness - giving ourselves without stint to a friend who comes to us with empty hands, helping him, even on bearfoot if needs be true to the trust reposed in us when a Brother comes to unburden a heart full of trouble, his is sacred as secure our breast as they were in his?

Is there a place, I repeat, for humor in this Section of the Third Degree? I do not, mind you, believe for a moment that the Brother who guffaws in the most solemn passages of this solemn drama is incapable of feeling the tragedy that is there set forth. This same Brother would witness a performance of "Hamlet" and be stirred to the depths, and be moved by the "Passion Play" of Oberammergau. But somehow he misses the point when he attends a performance of our drama of the Third Degree - tragedy as profound, as poignant, as universal in its appeal to the human soul, as any other drama ever conceived, if we may believe that prince of tragedians, the late Bro. Edwin Booth.

Back to Our Stations and Places  Previous Next