Master Mason's diploma

Title

Creator

Talatala, Lorenzo

Identifier

It is precious. . . the

Language

English

Source

The Cabletow Volume XLIII (No. 8) August 1967

Year

1967

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

It is Precious. . . the. . . • • Master Mason's Diploma WB Lorenzo Talatala, PM • The candidate for the degrees in Masonry, on being raised to the sub lime degree of Master Mason, is awarded the Master Mason’s diploma, under the seal of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines and signed by tile MW Grand Master and the Grand Secretary. Inherent to this diploma are certain Masonic rig'hts and privileges, among which arc, that the holder thereof may "travel in for eign countries, work and receive Mas ter Mason’s wages and enjoy the love, care and protection of all Master Ma sons wheresoever dispersed.” It is to signify that the newly raised brother has already attained a state of matur ity, and has earned for himself an honored place amongst those who have joined the Fraternity long be fore him — those "who have gone this wav before.” Misgivings: There arc however, some misgivings among the con servative members of the Frater nity, for the rapid rate we are pass ing candidates to Fellowcrafts and raising them to the sublime degree of Master Masons, and thence award the Master Mason’s diploma. In some of our Lodges, there have been cases where it took only one month, or even less, to raise a candidate to the sub lime degree of Master Mason from the date of his initiation, by accelerating the ceremonies through dispensations for special weekly Lodge meetings convened solely for the purpose. While it may lie true, as contended bv it defenders, that in many instances the candidates were very proficient and have passed the required exam inations given by the Lodge prior to their taking the degrees, it is equally true that those candidates, in view of the short and inadequate period of their preparation, could not have been duly and tfitly prepared in their hearts. A candidate, may have been adequate ly prepared orally and physically in a routine manner to conform to the rituals, regulations and edicts of the Grand Lodge; but he cannot, in so short a time, undergo, both the exter nal and the internal prepartitions to make him a true and exemplary Ma son. Since our ancient regulations em phasize that: “it is the internal and not the external qualifications which recommend a man to be made a Ma son,” then there is very strong reason to assert that, under the above-cited circumstances, the candidate could not have been duly and truly prepared to take the solemn obligation before the Masonic Altar, which is supposed to be of his own free will and accord. The ill-effects of this hasty accelera tion of candidates in Masonic advance ment. without ample preparation i's now being felt in some of our Lodges. After the candidates have been hastily raised to the sublime degree, they, within a short time, began to mani fest their unpreparedness to become Master Masons, bv neglecting to at tend Lodge meetings or take part in Masonic affairs for lack- of interest; and eventually, in some cases, they are suspended for non-payment of dues. When this happens, the members of the Lodge are, logically, the ones to bear the blame for the anomally, be cause in their desire to increase Lodve membership, especially in those with Turn to next page AUGUST, 1967 11 few members and can hardly meet for lack of attendance, they accelerated the passing and raising of their can didates. As a result, many candidates are initiated even before their names can be published in the Grand Lodge Circular, in violation of Edict No 49 sl965 of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines, thus leaving no time for any brother to file his objection to the initiation of such a candidate, even if he had strong reasons to do so. There are even candidates whose edu cation borders on illiteracy; yet they are extended the courtesy of being ad mitted into the Fraternity jor personal reasons. Thus, many a time the bre thren get disappointed when the actua tions of the newly raised brother do not measure up to their expectations. WHY? Because, while the Ancient Laws of the Order, especially the OLD YORK CONSTITUTION OF 926 require that “No Master shall take an Apprentice for less than seven years,” today, in this jurisdiction, a Master takes an Apprentice for even less than one month. Compare one month to seven years and we can only imagine the wide difference in the quality of "products put out” in the two proce dures. Brethren, let us take one good look at this unfortunate situation and bring it up to the attention of the rul ing body of the Fraternity, and let it seriously ponder on this matter, with the view to effect corrective measures, so that hereafter we mav not anymore produce half-hearted Masons to the detriment of the Fraternity. Let us humbly accent the sad real'tv that our rank and file have been infiltrated by some undeserving Masons. Let us, while there is vet time, strictlv up hold the principle of choosing quality instead of quantity in taking in can didates to our fold. The Master Mason’s diploma is ttnivcrsal: On the general subject of diploma, we now see around us many of its kind, displayed in homes and offices. In our schools, they issue the high school diploma which is recog nized by colleges, and entitles them to admission into the college or univer sity. Then there'is the college diploma issued by the college or university to the student who has finished a col legiate course as Doctor of Medicine, Dentist, Engineer, Lawyer, Chemist, Architect, Pharmacist, Technologist, Teacher and many others. However, even with the diplomas they have ac quired as professionals in their res pective professions, and in spite of the licenses which they have secured, they can only practice in this country, be cause their diplomas and licenses arc not honored outside the Philippines, in so far as the practice of their pro fessions is concerned. On the other hand, the Master Mason’s diploma is of universal acceptance. Its holder, if in good standing, is “recommended to the friendship and hospitality of the Craft wheresoever dispersed” through out the world, which recommendation is respected and honored by all Mas ter Masons in good standing, regard less of creed, color, nationality and station in life. In the light of the fore going, it becomes necessary, in con sonance with good and judicious poli cy. that caution be exercised in the awarding of the Master Mason's dip loma by seeing to it that it is award ed only to Master Masons who are worthy and deserving to possess it. Otherwise, unscrupulous persons will take undue advantage of our laxity, for their own selfish interests. It is even necessary, if the interest of the Order is to be zealously protected, that the newly raised brother be placed on probational status for at least one year, from the time he is raised to the sublime degree, before being given a Master Mason’s diploma, as an added assurance that he is a true Mason, at Turn to 30 12 The Cabletow MASTER MASON'S. .. from pag* 12 heart and soul. Let only those worthy and well qualified be identified as Ma sons. Let the newly obligated brother own a diploma, but let him first pay the price for it in the form of proven steadfast loyalty, love and complete adherence to the tenets of the Frater nity, and after a well-meaning sacrifice and time-tested endurance, consistent with our ancient usages and customs. On diploma mills; This name is given to private schools and colleges which, for certain material considera tions, turn out every year graduates who have not fully complied with the prescribed courses of instruction. There were cases of so-called ghost classes, classes that were non-existent. There have been cases of students who merely enrolled in schools and colleges, said to be “Recognized by the Govern ment.” and paid their tuition fees, but did not actually attend classes. They merely waited for the end of the'school year to be graduated and to receive their diplomas. There have been cases where students failed to • make the grade in schools and colleges, never theless, received their diplomas in consideration of certain favors. Many diplomas have been awarded in the past, either for [>ersonal considerations or under dubious circumstances. Be cause of these, some private schools and colleges have earned the infamous name of Diploma Mills. Their repu tations have been of public knowledge and in some cases have reached scan dalous proportions. Are we veering towards this direc tion? Of late, there are unmistakable indications that show the tendencies of some of our Lodges to veer towards this diploma mill direction. And, should the present momentum of this undesirable practice of rushing candi dates to the sublime degree of Mas ter Mason, without ample preparation, be not arrested on time, before it be comes a definite pattern, then, one of these days, and sooner than we expect, we shall find many of our Lodges which once upon a time we adored so much as worshipful to be amongst those flourishing diploma milk, de secrated and disdained. While it is not yet too late, let us stop this prac tice altogether. Let 11s allow sufficient time for the candidate to change his mind, if lie should, for what is of para mount importance to us is to let the tenets of Freemasonry penetrate deep into his heart and soul, in order that they may cast a permanent and ever lasting impression therein, before he is bestowed with the coveted honor by our ancient and honorable Fraternity. The only way to accomplish this, is to let time, perseverance and sacrifice prove that he is worthy to be taken into the Fraternity as a brother. Then and only then shall we realize with satisfaction, that we have made him a Mason, in heart and soul. Then and only then, may we rest assured, that our newly obligated brother will stay with us through "the inclemen cies of the seasons” and the tribula tions of life. Then and only then, can we sit down contented and with peace in our minds and consciences, confident, that we have done our duty to protect the prestige, reputation and honor of our mother Lodge and the Fraternity as a whole. Take good care: A Master Mason’s diploma, if truly earned, is one worth keeping for posterity. It is to be own ed with pride and dignity and should deserve to be looked upon with envy by the uninitiated. It should occupy an honored place in every Mason’s home and heart, not to be kept rolled up inside his locker undisplayed and neglected. It should be handed down to the .members of his family as a 30 The Cabletow legacy after the demise of the Mason. The practice of some brethren, espe'cially those who did not sacrifice much in obtaining them, just to place them carelessly anywhere in their homes to be exposed to the elements and to be destroyed by house pests, is un fortunate and should deserve the con demnation if not detestation of all good Masons. If rightfully earned, this diploma should transcend all others, and should be handed down not only to the immediate members of his family, but also to the succeeding gen erations as long as it lasts and “until no more remembrance may be had of him among men and Masons forever.” A Master Mason's diploma is truly a diploma of honor. Treat it thus, as every Mason should, and yours will be the undying love, respect and admira tion of the brethren. Handle it with earc. ... A GRAVEL & SAND... From page 10 undertake Masonic labors in the South Vietnam capital. So far the govern ment has refused permission for the lodge to work. No explanation has been given. The Hiram Club is ac tive in promoting this Masonic pro ject. Its members are Filipinos, In dians, and Americans, representing lodges from all over the world. There is also a very popular Saigon Oasis Shrine Club in Saigon which meets every third Monday at the Club Hippique. This group was or ganized in 1958 and each year plans a “safari” to Manila with a barge number of potential nobles. —Masonic Service Assn. The Gram! Master wishes it known that report forms, petition forms, cto. arc now distributed to Lodge Secretaries free of charge. IN THE GRAND. . . From page 29 City to hold a like seminar for Lodges in the Tenth Masonic District. On .August 26, the officers as above cited, will hold a seminar with the officers of Lodges in the First and Ninth Ma sonic Districts will meet in Manila for the seminar. It is hoped that henceforth the re ports will come in on time, complete and correct. A GOING PLACES? Allied Travel Experienced Person nel — Personalized Service — At Your Doorsteps. Contact Bro. Ernesto Z. Gonzales ALLIED TRAVEL-SAN MARCELINO Plardel Temple Arcade 1442 San Marcelino, Manila Tel. 60-44-11 G. O. SABAS Jeweller Maker of Masonic Emblems and Jewelry 75 Sibuyan, Sta. Mesa Heightfl Quezon City Tel. 6-89-98 D. R. Escosa Authorized Representative 1828 Taft Ave., Manila Tel. 5-36-41 AUGUST, 1967 31

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