New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-28
MASONIC DEPARTMENT
CONDUCTED BT THE GRAND LIBRARIAN OF THE
GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NETWORK.
OUR SOLEMN CEREMONIES

Too much lcvity occasionally crops out in the
comforting Of the degrees When a candidate
passes through the several degrees in Masonry
he passes through a solemn ceremony conveying
grave thoughts and impressive truths There
IS not the slightest room for any hilarity. The
audible litter that is sometimes heard when a
candidate gives a wrong answer or appears en-
harrassed Is not dignified and should not occur.
Il cannot be expected of the neophyte to know
II alW or 10 know anything Of any ceremony or
degrees. Sufficient if he conducts himself as an
Intelligent man. worthy OF membership in the
fraternity.
Masonry, in its universal teachings and in it's
great resource OF truthful lessons, may excite a
Different train of thought in different individuals
but all agree that the legends, the ancient usages
and the ancient customs even the antique Ian
guase Of the craft. deserve the most serious con-
temptation. and no light or frivolous interpreted
ton can be tolerated. especially In the ceremony
Of the third degree. where all the attributes OF
brave heart. earnest attachments. devotion and
high regard 10 truth and duty aptly and
seriously illustrated. No word or sign OF levity
should be shown in any part or at any stage
Of the service Oor it is a service, and a solemn
ceremony. The Master who encourages this,
or even allows it. is either derelict in his duty
or he has no just conception of the degree. has
no appreciation OF his high and honorable Office
or of the inspiring drama that is being enacted
before him. or of the solemn and serious truth
that is illustrated by and through the cere-
mony.
Too much claptrap is occasionally permitted
by those who have charge or conduct the floor
work. The man ION the coast" is sometimes a
farce The workers should not assume too much
Tor all may amuse the vulgar and unthinking
nDt IL repels me intelligent and proVokes aver
sion IN the high-minded. Let it be borne in
mind that only by the diCnifed, impressive and
solemn manner OF performing our several works
and degrees can we attract the high-minded, the
cultured, and those who VIII appreciate the real
good We offer them in an ancient institution
our ceremonies are solemn and impressive, the
Keep II So and not degenerate; there is nothing
mirth- provoking in any part, nor is there any
room for merrymaking in any portion Of the
solemn ceremonies. The frivolous and eight
headed" brother may wish to enjoy some fun
somewhere. but let him wait until after the lodge
is closed. or go elsewhere to have his fun" \
merrymaking but rather 1t is a place to learn
elevating truths. lessons for leading a good life
and 10 become better men and better citizens
Applause during the ceremony is also often
INDUCED in by well-meanng but unthinking
brethren. which is entirely out of place. No mat
ter how eloQuently a brother presents the apron
or working tools. no matter how eloquently the
historic or explanatory lecture is given it is
given in connection with q solemn service and
applause Ia uncalled for unmasonic and out Of
place during the comforting OF a degree No
mention Is made in Scripture OF any applause
when the High Priests offered sacrifice to
Jehovah during the service of the Lord. but
the people bowed themselves" and worshipped
the Lord. Nor is this allowed in the older
churches. 1t is only the modern preacher. the
sensation monger" who desires and encourages
applause during service. but IL is undgnfed in
church and il is equally undignifed in a Masonic
lodge during the solemn ceremony Of the degrees.