necessary, appropriate, and usual in the ceremonies, all that the law requires or ancient usage renders indispensable, have been observed.
And it is said to be opened on, and not in, a certain degree (which latter expression is often incorrectly used), in reference rather to the speculative than to the legal character of the meeting; to indicate, not that the members are to be circumscribed in the limits of a particular degree, but that they are met together to unite in contemplation on the symbolic teachings and divine lessons, to inculcate which is the peculiar object of that degree.
The ceremony of closing varies but very slightly from that of opening. Of course the first and second steps which have already been enumerated as proper to be observed when the brethren first assemble together, are to be dispensed with when they are about to part, as being under those circumstances entirely unnecessary, and the proclamations and prayers which refer to opening must be varied when they are to be applied to the closing. But in all other respects the ceremonies are the same.
Note.—The usage in many jurisdictions permits a Lodge to be closed "in short form" on one degree, for the purpose of being opened in like manner on another degree. This is, however, only to be done when the object is to initiate, pass, or raise a candidate, or when the initiation in an inferior degree having been accomplished, it is necessary to resume labor on the third degree for the transaction of business. Thus the Lodge being open on the third degree, and it being proposed "to pass" a candidate who is in waiting, the Lodge of Masters may be closed "in short form," and a Lodge opened in like manner on the second degree. The "short form" consists in the omission of all the usual ceremony, except the proclamation by the Master and Wardens.
But a Lodge can never be opened at the beginning of a communication, nor finally closed at its termination, except "in due form."
