When it appears from the officer's return that a copy of such summons was delivered to the grantor or lessor, the judge may take evidence of one or more of the subscribing witnesses to the execution of such deed, at the time designated for hearing or at an adjournment thereof. If such execution is proved to the satisfaction of the judge, he or she shall certify the same thereon and in his or her certificate shall note the presence or absence of the grantor or lessor and such certificate shall be equivalent to the acknowledgment of the grantor or lessor. (Amended 1973, No. 249 (Adj. Sess.), § 87, eff. April 9, 1974.)