Amendments to Digest of Decisions Are Important For All Masons

Since amendments to the Digest of Decisions are read during the Stated Meetings of all Pennsylvania Lodges, those Masons in attendance can be current in their knowledge of Masonic policy, procedures, directives, protocol, etc. It is equally important that those Brethren unable to attend a meeting are aware of the information. Every Lodge Secretary has a current copy of the Digest of Decisions available for detailed information.

Here are summaries of the most recent amendments to the Digest of Decisions.

Masonic Dress Further Defined
An amendment to Article 60.1 of the Digest of Decisions further defines details of Masonic dress, especially noting that the white formal shirt must have a plain collar, not a wing-tip style. The amended paragraph defining Masonic Dress is:
60.1 The Masonic Dress of Lodge Officers, with the exception of the Worshipful Master (or Acting Worshipful Master), can be tuxedo coat, black vest, black tie, black shoes and white gloves; or it can be tail coat, black vest, black tie, black shoes and white gloves. The dress of Grand Lodge Elected Officers, Past Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Appointed Officers (other than Grand Chaplains), District Deputy Grand Masters, Past District Deputy Grand Masters and Worshipful Masters (or Acting Worshipful Masters), will be tail coat, black vest, black tie, black shoes and white gloves. Shirts which are to be worn with Masonic dress must be white in color, plain collar (not wing style) and may have a pleated bosom, but it is not to be ruffled either at bosom or cuffs. The Grand Master and Worshipful Masters (or Acting Worshipful Masters) will wear the high black hat. The gloves are to contain no emblem of any type.

End to Matching Charity Grants
By amendment to Article 20.4 of the Digest of Decisions, the Matching Charity Grants program was terminated effective the end of 2001.

Restoration of Non-Proficiency Suspensions
A Mason who had been newly-made prior to 1996 and had been suspended for non-proficiency prior to the 1996 removal of the proficiency requirements for advancement now may be restored to membership as a result of the recent amendment to Article 94.9 of the Digest of Decisions. If he is desirous of restoration, he must apply in writing to the Lodge in which he was suspended to request the suspension be removed. The requirements and actions of the Lodge are defined in the amended Article 94.9 of the Digest of Decisions that is always available from the Secretary of your Lodge.