Ceremony for Installation of Officers of Subordinate Lodges Introduction The installation of lodge officers has been a function of the Grand Master, or an officer he designates since time immemorial. No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. This ceremony, revised in 2013 relies heavily on the work of the prolific Masonic author and commentator, Robert Macoy who first set it down in writing in 1885. The Assistant Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York, Macoy was instrumental in writing and recording Masonic ceremonies, and he was the author of the Adoptive Rite of the Order of the Eastern Star. Beginning in March of 2014, officer installations should use the following ceremony for all installations, whether performed by the Grand Master or his designee. The installation of lodge officers is an important function of the Grand Lodge, and one of the few occasions that local lodge officers, and the public can observe Grand Lodge ceremonies – it is, therefore, only fitting that we adopt a standard ceremony that emphasizes with due solemnity, these important occasions, and that we deliver a presentation of which will bring credit to the Grand Lodge. The Importance of Preparation The Grand Master acknowledges the importance of installing lodge officers and will make every effort to schedule and attend these presentations. In the event he cannot attend, he will select a Grand Lodge officer, or an Area or District Deputy to make the presentation. In turn, the lodge must make every effort to ensure a turnout of all officers who are to be installed, as well as properly publicizing the event (if a public installation), and make those preparations necessary to ensure that the event is a success. In the case of public installation, it is critical that the lodge puts its best foot forward, the officers should dress for the occasion, and the event should be given the importance and dignity that the occasion requires. Lodge Secretary In addition to proper planning, as above, the lodge Secretary also has a role to play in the ceremony. He must: Print out the script of the proceedings (below) with each brother who is to be installed listed. Notify the lodge chaplain that his services are required for this event, or nominate a chaplain pro tem to lead the assembly in prayer according to the script. Secure the services of an installing marshal or notify the Grand Lodge that a marshal will be needed from among the Grand Lodge officers. Collect all officers’ jewels and place them on the altar for the installing marshal. Expectations If we agree that the installation of officers are some of the most important occasions the lodge, or Grand Lodge, can facilitate, then there is absolutely no excuse for a shabby presentation; anything less shows Masonry in a very poor light. Because of this, please observe the following expectations: Timely notice is required for Grand Master to attend RSVPs are required for the officers who are to be installed The lodge room and facilities should be clean and inviting Ushers should be on hand to seat any members or guests with disabilities The remarks of the presenter should conform to this ceremony Conclusion Officer installations are important events for not only our fraternity but for our brethren being installed and their families. It is therefore only proper that Grand Lodge and local officers work together to ensure a meaningful ceremony. For Grand Lodge presenters – they must act both as an emcee and an ambassador and it is of the utmost importance to create a positive impression both for our members and any potential members who may attend an emblem ceremony. Grand Lodge officers should dress formally if the occasion requires it, or ear their appearance suit at a minimum, as well as collar, jewel, and apron to all installations. District and Area Deputies should wear coat and tie (at the minimum) with their jewel of office. Lodge officers should also wear coat and tie, and ensure that the lodge is squared away and in proper shape to receive visitors, some of whom may have never visited a Masonic lodge before. A proper appearance is augmented by professional behavior. All officers should be prompt; arriving and starting the ceremony on time. Finally, be certain to display a positive attitude, and above all, enjoy the time you spend with our newly installed officers. 2 Roster of Officers To Be Installed Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Chaplain Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler 3 Prior to the start of the ceremony, the Installing Master should remind the audience to silence their cell phones. The Master Brother Marshal, have you carefully examined the Master elect, and do you find him well skilled in the noble science and the royal art? Marshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I have carefully examined and so find. You will then present him at the Altar for installation. Marshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brother __________ to be installed Master of this Lodge. I find him to be of good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not that he will discharge his duties with fidelity and with honor. My Brother, previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those Ancient Charges and Regulations which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge. (To each of the questions, the Master Elect responds by saying “I Do.”) 4 I. Do you agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law? II. Do you agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside? III. Do you promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the government, but patiently submit to the law and the constituted authorities? IV. Do you agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men? V. Do you agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with the Constitutions of the Order? VI. Do you agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess? 5 VII. Do you agree to be cautious in carriage and behavior, courteous to your brethren and faithful to your Lodge? VIII. Do you promise to respect genuine brethren, and to discountenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry? IX. Do you agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art? X. Do you promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge that is not subversive of the principles and ground work of Masonry? XI. Do you admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry? XII. Do you promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions? 6 XIII. Do you admit that no new Lodge shall be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge; and that no countenance be given to any irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the Ancient Charges of the Order? XIV. Do you admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his character? XV. Do you agree that no visitors shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated into a regular Lodge? These are the Regulations of Free and Accepted Masons. Once again I ask you: Do you submit to these charges and promise to support these regulations as Masters have done in all ages before you? (The Master Elect responds by saying “I Do.”) 7 My Brother, in consequence of your conformity to the Charges and Regulations of the Order, you are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill and capacity to govern the same. You will now be invested with the insignia of your office. The Marshall places the Master’s Jewel on his person. 8 I now place the Furniture and Implements of this Lodge in your charge. ‐‐The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth; it will direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man. ‐‐The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue. ‐‐The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. ‐‐The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and neither inclining to the right nor the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.