Part 10 (1/2)

The Deputy Grand Master now conducts the W. M. elect before the altar, facing the East, and says:

D. G. M.: Most Wors.h.i.+pful Grand Master, I present Brother ---- ----, to be installed Wors.h.i.+pful Master of this Lodge.

G. M.: Right Wors.h.i.+pful Deputy Grand Master, have you carefully examined the brother, and do you find him qualified to discharge the duties of the office for which he has been chosen?

D. G. M.: Most Wors.h.i.+pful Grand Master, I find him to be qualified and of good morals, of great skill, true and trusty; and, as he is a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will discharge his duties with fidelity and honor.

The Grand Master will perform the installation service to the end, continuing the ceremony as for annually elected officers, the Deputy Grand Master a.s.sisting.

Annually Elected Officers.

Installing his successor is usually the prerogative of the retiring Wors.h.i.+pful Master, although any Past Master may act as installing officer for the occasion. A competent brother (usually a Past Master) will be appointed to act as Marshal, who will present the officers-elect for installation. All things being in order, the Installing Officer says:

Inst. Off.: Brother Marshal, you will present the Wors.h.i.+pful Master-elect for installation.

Mar: Wors.h.i.+pful Master, I present Brother ----, who has been elected Wors.h.i.+pful Master of this Lodge, and is now ready for installation.

Inst. Off.: Brethren, you now behold before you Brother ---- ----, who has been elected to serve this Lodge as Wors.h.i.+pful Master, and now declares himself ready for installation. If any of you have any reason to urge why he should not be installed you will make it known now, or forever after hold your peace. No objection being offered, I shall now install him.

Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, I congratulate you upon your election as Wors.h.i.+pful Master of this Lodge, and it will afford me great pleasure to invest you with the authority and the insignia of your office. Previous to your invest.i.ture, however, it is necessary that you signify your a.s.sent to those charges and regulations which point out the duty of the Master of a Lodge:

I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law?

II. You agree to be a peaceable citizen and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside?

III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the government, but patiently submit to the law and the const.i.tuted authorities?

IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably toward all men?

V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of Freemasonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations, and submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with the Const.i.tutions of the Fraternity?

VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess?

VII. You agree to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge?

VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry?

IX. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art?

X. 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 groundwork of Masonry?

XI. 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. You promise a regular attendance on the communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice, and to pay a proper attention to all the duties of Masonry, on convenient occasions?

XIII. 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 made therein, being contrary to the ancient charges of Freemasonry?

XIV. 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?