M.M. Taylor’s Ritul of Craft Masonry
Installation of Officers / Inner Working
1991/2005
The Lodge being open in the First Degree, the W.M. sounds his Gavel, one k.,
which is answered by S.W. and J.W.
W.M.: W. Bro. (sumame only, who rises and
gives Sp. And Sn. of First Degree), will you please occupy the S.W.'s
chair. (W.Bro. cuts Sn.)
(D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts the W.Bro. to r. of S.W. who removes his
Gauntiets and leaves them on top of pedestal to await the newly invested S.W.
Retaining his collar of office, S.W. vacates chair in favourofthe W.Bro., who
salutes W.M. in the First Degree and sits. D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts
the retiring S.W. toa seat in the NE and returns to his own seat.)
W.M.: (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
W.Bro. (sumame
only, who rises and gives Sp. and Sn. of First Degree), will you
please occupy the J.W.'s chair. (W.Bro. cuts Sn.)
(D.C. squaring the Lodge, conducts the W.Bro. to r. of J.W. who removes his
Gauntlets and leaves them on top of pedestal to await the newly invested J.W.
Retaining his collar of office, J.W. vacates chair in favour of the W.Bro., who
salutes W.M. in the First Degree and sits. D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts
the retiring J.W. to a seat in the NE and returns to his own seat.)
W.M.: (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
W.Bro. (surname only, who rises and gives Sp. and Sn.
of First Degree), will you please act as I.G. (W.Bro.
cuts Sn.)
(D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts the W.Bro. to the I.G. Retaining his
collar of office, I.G. vacates his seat in favour of the W.Bro., who salutes
W.M. in the First Degree and sits. D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts the
retiring I.G. to a seat in the NE and returns to his own seat.)
W.M.: (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
Bro. Chaplain, Bro. Secretary, Bro. D.C., Bro A.D.C, and Bro. Organist (who
all rise and give Sp. and Sn. of First Degree), will you please
continue to act in your respective offices, (the five
officers cut Sn. and sit.)
W.M.: (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.): Brethren,
I now
request the officers of my year to assemble in line along the N.
(The officers, squaring the Lodge where necessary, line-up under D.C.'s
guidance along the N, and face S; the W.M. here usually addresses them with a
genera/ expression of thanks for their services during the year.)
W.M.: Will you now please file past so that I can thank you
individually and will you then please return the collar with which I had the
pleasure of investing you, to our Brother, the I.P.M., in passing.
(The officers turn left and squaring the Lodge at NE corner, file past WM.
who nses, personally greets each officer in him at l. of pedestal, and resumes
his seat. Meanwhile, the I.P.M. has taken up a suitable position in the SE. The
officers, as they pass the I.PM. remove their collars of office and hand them to
him. Squaring the Lodge where necessary, the Chaplain, Secretary, D.C., A.D.C.
and the Organist return to their usual places, while the remainder of the
officers proceed to vacant seats in the Lodge.
I.P.M. transfers collars to A.D.C. The Lodge is then opened in the Second
Degree; D.C. attends to T.B. M.E., who is seated in the NE, removes his gloves
and rises. D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts M.E. to a suitable position in
mid-line of the Lodge, and stands at his r., both facing WM.)
D.C.: (gives Sp. and Sn. of Second Degree): W.M., I present to you
Bro. (full name), Master
Elect of this Lodge, to receive at your hands the benefit of Installation.
W.M.: Bro. D.C., your presentation shall be attended to, but I
must first address a few observations to the Brethren. I shall then call the
attention of Bra. (surname only) to those
qualifications which are necessary in every Candidate for the Master’s chair. (D.C.
cuts Sn and squaring the Lodge, returns to his seat, M.E. remains standing
facing W.M.)
W.M.: (sounds his Gavel, one k, which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
Brethren, from time immemorial it has been an established custom among
Freemasons for each Lodge, once in every year at a stated period, to select from
its Wardens and past Wardens a skilled Craftsman to preside over them in the
capacity of Master. He musihave been regularly balloted for and elected by the
Master, Wardens, and Brethren in open Lodge assembled and be presented to a
Board of Installed Masters to receive from a predecessor the benefit of
Installation, the better to qualify him for the discharge of the duties of that
important trust.
Bro. (surname only), you having been so
elected and before you are presented to the Board, I claim your attention while
I recite those qualifications which are essential in every Candidate for the
Master’s chair.
First: every Candidate for the office of Master must be of good report, true
and trusty, and held in high estimation among his Brethren and Fellows.
Secondly: he must have been regularly Initiated, Passed and Raised in the three
established Degrees of the Order, be well skilled in the noble science, and have
duly served the office of Warden in a regular Lodge. Thirdly: he should be
exemplary in conduct, courteous in manner, easy of address, steady and firm in
principle, well skilled in the Ancient Charges, Regulations, and Landmarks of
the Order, able and willing to undertake the management of the work. Can you, my
worthy Brother, accept the Mastership of this Lodge under these qualifications?
M.E.: (gives Sp andSn. Of Second Degree): I can, W.M. (cuts
Sn.)
W.M.: Then I claim your attention whilst our Bro. Secretary reads
from the Book of Constitutions those Charges and Regulations to all of which
your unqualified assent is necessary, which you will signify by the Sn. of F.
after each clause, slightly bowing the head in token of submission.
(D.C., squaring the Lodge, conducts Secretary to the SE and returns to his
own seat. Secretary gives Court Bow toWM, turns to face M.E. and reads from the
Book of Constitutions, the Ancient Charges and Regulations, numbered 1-15,
pausing after each Charge for M.E. to signify. Secretary turns, gives Court Bow
and, squaring the Lodge, is conducted to his seat by D.C. who then returns to
his own seat).
W.M.: Do you submit to and promise to support these Charges and
Regulations as Masters have done in all ages?
M.E.: (without Sp or Sn): I do.
W.M.: Then will you please step this way and take the S.O. of
Master Elect. (M.E. moves forward to W.M.‘s pedestal)
W.M.: You will kneel as a F.C. (this
having been done, M.E. places his r.h. on V.S.L. and shows H.Sn. W.M. sounds his
Gavel, one k, which is answered by S.W. and J.W. All rise and, without taking
Sp, come to order with Sn of F.)
Obligation
W.M. (to M E): Stating your names at length, repeat after me: I, (M.E.
states his full name), in the presence of T.G.G.O.T.U. and of this
worthy and worshipful Lodge of F.C.Fs., regularly held, assembled, and properly
dedicated, do agree to accept the office of Master of this Lodge; and the duties
of that high station zealously, faithfully, and impartially to administer, to
the best of my skill and ability, until the next regular period of election
within the Lodge, and until a successor shall have been duly elected and
installed in my stead. I further solemnly promise that I will not, either during
my Mastership, or at any time the Lodge may be under my direction, permit or
suffer any deviation from the Ancient Customs and established Landmarks of the
Order. I will not administer, nor suffer to be administered, any rite or
ceremony contrary to, or subversive of, our Ancient Institution, but will
maintain and uphold, pure and unsullied, the genuine principles and tenets of
the Craft. I will observe, and to the utmost of my power enforce, a due
obedience to those Charges and Regulations to which I have already given my
assent, and in every respect conscientiously discharge my duties as a Ruler in
the Craft and Master of this Lodge. So help me A.G. and keep me steadfast in
this, the S.O. of Master Elect.
(M.E drops H.Sn.)
W.M.: As a pledge of fidelity and to render what you have repeated
a S.O. you will seal it with your lips t. on the V. of the S.L. (M.E.
does so, all drop Sn of F; W.M. takes M.E.’s r.h. in his own).
Rise, duly obligated, Master Elect.
(W.M. sits and Brethren resume their seats. D.C. squaring the Lodge, conducts
M.E. to a seat in the SE and returns to his own seat. The Lodge is then opened
in the Third Degree; D.C. attends to T.B.)
W.M. (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
Brethren, I must now request all below the rank of Installed Master, with the
exception of the Master Elect, to retire from the Lodge for a while. (I.G.
goes to the door, opens it, and retiring Brethren leave the Lodge without
saluting. I.G. locks door and returns to his seat).
The Inner Working
The Brethren below the rank of Installed Master with the exception of the
M.E. having retired from the Lodge, the A.D.C., squaring the Lodge, places
kneeling stool in the centre of the Lodge and returns to his seat. D.C.,
squaring the Lodge, conducts M.E. to kneeling stool and both stand facing E.
I.M. sounds his gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.
I.M.: Brethren, I declare this a duly constituted Board of
Installed Masters.
D.C. (gives Sn. of F. *): W.M., I present to this Board of
Installed Masters, Bro (M.E.'s full name),
duly obligated M.E., to receive from your hands the benefit of Installation.
I.M.: Bro. D.C., your presentation shall be attended to. (D.C.
drops Sn. of F. and returns to his seat: M.E. remains standing.)
I.M. (sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. and J.W.):
Bro. (M.E. 's name) You will kneel on both
knees. Brethren, let us pray. (Brethren rise, turn to
face E., give Sn. of R. and may kneel on one k. on a convenient seat.)
Chaplain or I.M.: Vouchsafe Thine aid Almighty Father, Supreme
Governor of the Universe, to our solemn rite and grant that this worthy and
distinguished Brother, who is about to be numbered among the rulers in the
Craft, may be endued with wisdom to comprehend, judgment to define, and ability
to enforce obedience to Thy Divine laws. Sanctify him by Thy grace, strengthen
him with Thy power, and enrich his mind with genuine knowledge, that he may be
the better enabled to enlighten the minds of the Brethren and to consecrate this
our mansion to the honour and glory of Thy Most Holy Name.
ALL: So mote it be. (all drop Sn. of R.
Brethren resume standing position; M.E. rises. A.D.C., squaring the Lodge,
removes kneeling stool and returns to his place.)
I.M.: (to M.E.) Bro (Surname only), you
have already taken an Obligation as regards your duties as Master of the Lodge.
You will now take another Obligation as regards the secrets restricted to the
Master's Chair. Please step this way (M.E. moves
forward to W.M. 's pedestal), kneel on both knees, place both hands
on the V. of the S.L. (I.M. sounds his gavel, one k.,
which is answered by S.W. and J.W.; Brethren, without taking Sp., come to order
with Sn. of F.)
I.M.: Stating your names at length, repeat after me: I, (M.E.
states his full name), in the presence of T.M.H, and of this worthy
and worshipful Board of Installed Masters, duly constituted, regularly assembled
and properly dedicated, do hereby and hereon (W.M.
presses the fs. of b.hs. on those of the M.E., then lowers the ps. of his hs. on
V.S.L.), most solemnly and sincerely swear (W.M.
resumes Sn. of F.) that I will ever conceal and never divulge any or
either of the secrets restricted to the Master's Chair to anyone in the world,
unless it be to an Installed Master or to a Candidate duly elected to that
office, and not even then, unless in the presence of two or more Installed
Masters at a meeting duly convened for that purpose. These several points I
solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation
of any kind. So help me T.M.H, and keep me inviolate in this, the S.O. of an
Installed Master.
I.M.: As a pledge of fidelity and to render what you have repeated
a S.O. binding upon you so long as you shall live, you will Salute the V.of the
S.L. t.t. (M.E. does so; all drop Sn. of R; I.M.
removes M.E. 's l.h. from the V. of the S.L. and then lifts and holds M.E.'s r.
forearm with his l.h.).
I.M.: The symbolic penalty which a M.E. was at one time called on
to repeat in his Obligation, was that of having t.r.h.s. at the w. (I.M.
demonstrates "s. at the w.") and t.o.t.l.s. (I.M.
places M.E. 's r.h. on M.E. 's l.s.), there left to w. and decay; and
this is the P.Sn. of an I.M.
I.M.: Let me once more direct your attention to the three G.Ls. in
Freemasonry, which are the V. of the S.L., the S. and the Cs. (I.M.
points to each in turn). The V. of the S.L. is that G.L. which will
guide you to all truth, direct your steps in the paths of happiness and point
out to you the whole duty of man. The S. teaches you to regulate your life and
actions according to Masonic line and rule and to harmonise your conduct by the
principles of morality and virtue. The Cs. remind you to limit your desires in
every station of life, so that, rising to eminence by merit, you may live
respected and die regretted. (M.E. remains kneeling,
I.M lowers M.E. 's a., removes gauntlets, places them on pedestal and moves out
of the pedestal to r. of M.E.).
I.M.: Rise, (I.M. assists M.E. to rise)
duly obligated, Installed Master. (I.M. moves M.E.
clockwise away from the pedestal and places him in the SE facing N; steps back
three paces and stands facing him; all remain standing.)
I.M.: Traditional history informs us that when the Temple at
Jerusalem was completed by the wisdom of K.S., supported by the strength of K.H.
and aided by the beautifying hand of H.A., the sovereigns of the surrounding
nations sent ambassadors to congratulate K.S. on the completion of that stately
and superb edifice, the regal splendour and unparalleled lustre of which were
said to have surpassed imagination. The Queen of Sheba, to whom the fame of the
King had reached, not content with sending an embassy, herself journeyed to
Jerusalem attended by a numerous retinue laden with costly presents. On her
arrival she was received by K.S. who accompanied her to view the Temple.
On entering the sacred edifice, the King, perceiving Adoniram at a distance,
beckoned him t.t. thus (I.M. demonstrates, by turning
his head about half-way to the right. i.e. about 45°. And stretching out his
r.a. in that direction. Then touching his r.s. with the first two fingers of his
r.h.;
M.E. copies; I.M. repeats this beckoning sign twice more, again being copied
each time by M.E. with his r.h). Adoniram, on approaching his Royal
Master was about to kneel (M.E., prompted by
D.C., attempts to kneel on r.k.), which the King prevented by
taking him thus (I.M. steps forward and takes M.E. by
the r. upper arm with his l.h. then gives the G. of an Installed M. by taking a
grip on top of the r. forearm of the M.E. with his r.h.).
I.M.: Rise which signifies …, or literally … (I.M.
releases his l.h. and, emphasizing his grip on M.E. 's forearm with the r.h.):
this is the G. of an Installed Master (I.M. releases
his r.h. and resumes his farmer position facing S.)
When the royal party had completed their inspection and were about to retire,
Adoniram, in token of humility, saluted the King t.t. thus (I.M.
demonstrates by touching his forehead with the fingertips of the r.h. at the
same time bowing slightly from the waist, and by moving the r.f. backwards with
a circular motion whilst sweeping the r.h. downwards and backwards as far as the
r.k. This salute could be construed as being similar to a Cavalier doffing his
hat.) This is the Salutation of a Master of our Art and Science,
otherwise known as the Token of Humility. (I.M. resumes
upright position and M.E. copies the salutation. I.M. repeats the salutation
twice more, again copied each time by the M.E.).
I.M.: Hence are derived the Signs, G., and Word of an Installed
Master, and the Salutation of a Master of our Art and Science. (D.C.
comes forward hearing Master 's badge on a cushion and stands at 1. of I.M.
M.M.'s badge is removed from M.E.)
I.M.: I now invest you with the distinguishing badge of an
Installed Master (I.M. picks up badge, and places it in
position.), and long may you live to wear it with credit to yourself
and to the advantage of the Craft. I also invest you with the Master's Collar (I.M.
removes his Collar of Office and invests M.E. as W.M.). which is the
highest honour the Lodge can confer on any of its members. To this Collar is
attached the S. (I.M. indicates the Jewel),
an instrument which forms the rude and proves the perfect mass, and is justly
applied by Installed Masters to inculcate the principles of piety and virtue.
Masonically speaking it should be the guide of all your actions.
(D.C. returns to his place.)
(I.M., with his r.h., grips the W.M. with the G. of an Installed Master,
places on his own l.s. the l.h. of the W.M. and places his own l.h. on the l.s.
of the W.M. Maintaining the relative positions of the a. and h., I.M. instructs
the W.M. to step off with the l.f., whilst he himself steps backwards with the
r.f.
Approaching the Master's Chair from the r.h. side the I.M. guides the W.M. to
the seat as he passes the Chair himself. On reaching the Chair, I.M. instructs
W.M. to drop his left hand, hut retains his own in position.)
I.M.: By the G. of an Installed Master and the word …, (I.M.
places W.M. in the Chair then drops his l.h.) I place you in the
Chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom, feeling sure you will justify
the choice the Brethren have made.
(I.M. releases the G.).
I.M.: (picks up Gavel): I now place in your hand this Gavel (gives
Gavel to W.M.), an emblem of power, which will enable you to keep
order in the Lodge, particularly in the E. (W.M.,
prompted
by I.M., places Gavel on pedestal and puts on gauntlets and gloves.) (I.M.
salutes W.M. with the
Token of Humility.)
I.M.: W.M., will you now invest the I.P.M. (D.C.
comes forwards with Collar, hands it to W.M. and returns to his place.)
W.M. (rises): W.Bro , it gives me great pleasure to invest you as
Immediate Past Master of the Lodge (W.M. does so).
It is not within anyone's authority to confer this honour upon you, it being
yours of right, you having faithfully discharged your duties as Master of the
Lodge. However, from the capable manner in which you have conducted the affairs
of the Lodge during your Mastership,
I feel sure that whenever I require assistance, your help will be readily
forthcoming. (W.M. sits).
I.M.: Brethren, I call upon you to salute the W.M. as I.Ms. in
passing, following and copying the D.C. (D.C., squaring
the Lodge, proceeds to NE corner and faces S. Brethren form up suitably to
follow him. D.C. and Brethren salute the W.M. as I.Ms. in passing with the penal
Sn. and remain standing on the floor of the Lodge.)
I.M.: Brethren, I call upon you to greet the W.M. with 'five',
taking the time from the D.C.
D.C.: Brethren, the salutation to the W.M. is the Token of
Humility five times (all turn toward the W.M.) To
order, Brethren. (D.C. and Brethren give the greeting
together and all resume their seats.)
(Before M.Ms. are re-admitted A.D.C. takes up position with the Lodge Collars
at W of Secretary’s table. I.M. ensures that the Warrant of the Lodge and
copies of the B. of C. and By-
Laws of the Lodge are available at W.M‘s. pedestal together with the
booklets "Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft" and
"Information on Masonic Charities.")
(The Installing Master then takes position in the E at l af W.M.’s pedestal
where he remains standing until the commencement of the Investiture of Officers,
except that he moves on to S.P. whenever he addresses the I.G. or the Brethren
ranged in the N. and when he adjusts the S. and Cs. in Closing or Resuming).
I.M.: Bro. I.G. (who advances on to edge
of S.P and gives Sp. and P.Sn. of Third Degree), admit all M.Ms. (I.G.
drops P.Sn., goes to the door and opens it).
I.G. (speaks across the threshold): Will all M.Ms. please enter
the Lodge, visiting Brethren first.
(Meanwhile, D.C., squaring the Lodge, goes to NW corner to meet the M.Ms.,
who enter without saluting. D.C. selects a convenient number of M.Ms., ranges
them along the N. and positions himself at E end of the line, all facing S.
The remainder of the M.Ms. proceed to seats in the Lodge. I.G. locks door,
advances on to edge of S.P. and gives Sp and P.Sn. of Third Degree.)
I.G.: Bro. I.M., all M.Ms. have been admitted. (drops
P.Sn. and returns to his seat).
I.M.: Brethren, during your temporary absence our highly esteemed
Bro. (full name) has been duly installed in
the Chair of K.S. according to ancient custom and I call upon you to salute him
as M.Ms. in passing, following and copying our Brother, the D.C.
D.C. (to M.Ms. in line): L. turn Brethren.
(D.C. and M.Ms. turn l. and, squaring the Lodge, salute the W.M. as M.Ms in
passing. Returning
along the N, all halt and turn to face S; D.C. leaves enough space from NE
corner for any F.Cs. to join the line later.)
I.M.: Brethren, br the first time and in the E, I proclaim Bro. (fullname)
W.M. of the … Lodge, Number … (worded in full)
on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England, for the ensuing twelve months and
until a successor shall have been duly elected and installed in his stead and I
call upon you to greet him as M.Ms. with ‘three’, taking the time from our
Brother, the D.C.
(D.C., squaring the Lodge, places his Wand in its stand as he moves to a
convenient position in the S.E. turns and faces N).
D.C.: Brethren, the salutation in this Degree is the G. or R.Sn.
three times. Half l. turn Brethren. (Brethren turn
h.l.; D.C. turns h.r.) To order Brethren.
(D.C. and Brethren give the greeting together) Half r. turn Brethren.
(D.C. moves to SE corner and stands near his seat, facing N).
I.M.: W.M., I now present to your notice the working tools of a
M.M., which are the Sk., the Pl., and the Cs. (picks up
each working tool in turn and shows it to W.M.). You are so well
acquainted with their uses that I need not here explain them at length. (I.M.
replaces working tools) You will therefore close the Lodge in this
Degree or resume it in the Second.
(The Lodge may then be closed in the Third Degree. If resumed in the Second
Degree, W.M. sounds his Gavel, one k, followed by S.W. and J.W.)
W.M.: Brethren, by the power in me vested, I resume the Lodge in
the Second Degree.
(W.M. gives ks. Of Second Degree, followed by S.W. and J.W, D.C. attends to
T.B., returns to SE corner, and stands near his seat facing N; I.M. comes
forward to front af W.M.‘s pedestal, adjusts S. and Cs. and returns to his
position in the E, I.G. goes to the door, gives ks. of Second Degree and being
answered similarly by T, returns to his seat.)
I.M.: Bro. I.G. (who advances on to edge
of S.P. and gives Sp. and Sn. of Second Degree), admit all F.Cs. (I.G.
cuts Sn, goes to the door and opens it).
I.G. (speaks across the threshold): Will all F.Cs. please enter
the Lodge.
(F.Cs., if any, enter without saluting and are met by D.C. who escorts them
to E end of line. Visiting F.Cs. may go to convenient seats. I.G. locks door,
advances on to edge of S.P. and gives Sp. and Sn. of Second Degree.)
I.G.: Bro. I.M., all F.Cs. have been admitted. (cuts
Sn. and returns to his seat.)
I.M.: Brethren, during your temporary absence our highly esteemed
Bro. (full name) has been duly installed in
the Chair of K.S. according to ancient custom and I call upon you to salute him
as F.Cs. in passing, following and copying our Brother, the D.C.
D.C.: L. turn Brethren.
(D.C. and Brethren turn l. and, squaring the Lodge, salute the W.M. as F.Cs.
in passing. Returning along the N, all halt and turn to face S. D.C. leaves
enough space from NE corner for any E.A. to join the line later. I.M, squaring
the Lodge, follows the Brethren round to l of S.W.‘s pedestal where he stands
on edge of S.P., and faces E.)
I.M.: Brethren, for the second time and in the W., I proclaim Bro.
(full name) W.M.of the … Lodge, Number … (worded
in full) on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England, for the
ensuing twelve months and until a successor shall have been dulyelected and
installed in his stead and I call upon you to greet him as F.Cs. with ‘five’,
taking the time from our Brother, the D.C. (I.M.
remains standing in the W.)
(D.C., squaring the Lodge, places his Wand in its stand as he moves to a
convenient position in the SE, turns and faces N.)
D.C.: Brethren, the salutation in this Degree is b.h.b. five times
to the rhythm of the F.C. knocks, thus. (D.C.
demonstrates once) Half l. turn Brethren. (Brethren
turn h.l., D.C. turns h.r.)
To order, Brethren, as F.Cs. (D.C. and Brethren
stand to order as F.Cs and give the greeting together) Half r. turn
Brethren. (D.C. moves to SE corner and stands near his
seat, facing N.
I.M, squaring the Lodge, returns to his position in the E.)
I.M.: W.M., I now present to your notice the working tools of a
F.C.F., which are the S., the L. and the P.R. (picks up
each working tool in turn and shows it to WM) You are so well
acquainted with their uses that I need not here explain them at length (I.M.
replaces working tools). You will therefore close the Lodge in this
Degree or resume it in the First.
(The Lodge may then be closed in the Second Degree. If resumed in the First
Degree, W.M. sounds his Gavel one k, followed by S.W. and J.W.)
W.M.: Brethren, by the power in me vested, I resume the Lodge in
the First Degree.
(W.M. gives ks of First Degree which are fpllowed by S.W. and J.W., D.C.
attends to T.B., returns to SE. corner and stands near his seat facing N, I.M.
comes forward to front of W.M‘s pedestal, adjusts S. and Cs. and returns to
his position in the E, I.G. goes to the door, gives ks. of First Degree and
being answered similarly by T, returns to his seat.)
I.M.: Bro. I.G. (who advances on to edge
of S.P. and gives Sp and Sn of First Degree), admit all E.As. (I.G.
cuts Sn, goes to the door and opens it).
I.G. (speaks across the threshold): Will all E.As. please enter
the Lodge.
(E.As, if any, enter without saluting and are met by D.C. who escorts them to
E. end of line. Visiting E.As. may go to convenient seats. I.G. locks door,
advances on to edge of S.P. and gives Sp and Sn. of First Degree).
I.G.: Bro. I.M., all E.As. have been admitted. (cuts
Sn and returns to his seat).
I.M.: Brethren, during your temporary absence our highly esteemed
Bro. (full name) has been duly installed in
the Chair of K.S. according to ancient custom and call upon you to salute him as
E.As. in passing, following and copying our Brother, the D.C.
D.C.: L. turn Brethren.
(D.C. and Brethren turn l. and, squaring the Lodge, salute the W.M. as E.As
in passing.
Returning along the N., all halt and turn to face S.. I.M., follows the
Brethren as far as the l. of J.W.‘s pedestal, where he stands an edge of S.P.
and faces N.)
I.M.: Brethren, for the third time and in the S., I proclaim Bro. (full
name) W.M. of the … Lodge, Number … (worded
in full) on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England, for the
ensuing twelve months and until a successor shall have been duly elected and
installed in his stead and I call upon you to greet him as E.As. with ‘three’,
taking the time from our Brother, the D.C. (I.M.
remains standing in the S.)
D.C. squaring the Lodge, places his Wand in its stand as he moves to a
convenientposition in the SE., and faces N.)
D.C.: Brethren, the salutation in this Degree is the E.A. Sn.
three times. Half l. turn Brethren. (Brethren turn
h.l., D.C. turns h.r)
To order Brethren. (D.C. and Brethren give the
greeting together) Half r. turn Brethren.
(D.C. moves to SE corner and stands near his seat, facing N. IM., squaring
the lodge at Secretary’s table, returns to his position in the E.)
I.M.: W.M., I now present to your notice the working tools of an
E.A.F., which are the 24-
inch G., the C.G., and the C. (picks up each working
tool in turn and shows it to WM). You are so well acquainted with
their uses that I need not here explain them at length. (I.M.
replaces working tools).
I.M.: W.M. (who rises) I now
deliver into your keeping the Warrant of the Lodge. (I.M.
opens the Warrant shows it to W.M., folds it and replaces it in its case)
It has for many years been entrusted to the care of worthy and distinguished
Brethren and I am sure that whilst it is in your charge it will lose none of its
lustre, but will be transmitted to your successor pure and unsullied, as you now
receive it. (I.M. hands Warrant to W.M.) I
also present to you the Book of Constitutions (hands B.
of C. to W.M.), which I strongly commend to your serious perusal, far
you will find there is scarcely a case of difficulty can occur in the Lodge
which a reference to that book (points to B. of C.) will
not set right; likewise the By-Laws of the Lodge (hands
By-laws to W.M.), together with certain booklets highly commended by
Grand Lodge, for your information. (W.M. sits and
places Warrant, B. of C., and By4aws on pedestal shelf).
I.M.: Brethren, be seated. (Brethren
standing in the N. turn left and, squaring the Lodge, proceed to their seats.
D.C. sits) (The Hall Stone Jewel should be presented at this point).
I.M.: W.M., will you now please appoint and invest your officers. (I.M.
gives Sp and Sn of First Degree, cuts Sn and sits).
Address to the Worshipful Master
(This is given by the Installing Master, who, squaring the Lodge, goes to the
l. of S.W. and standing on edge of S.P., faces E. and salutes W.M.)
I.M.: Worshipful Master, you having been installed Master of this
worthy and worshipful Lodge, cannot be insensible to the obligations which
devolve upon you as its head, nor to your responsibility for the faithful
discharge of the duties annexed to the appointment. The honour, reputation and
usefulness of your Lodge will materially depend on the skilland ability with
which you manage its concerns, whilst the happiness of the Brethren will be
promoted in proportion to the zeal and assiduity with which you promulgate the
genuine principles and tenets of the Craft.
As a pattern of excellence consider that grand luminary the Sun which, rising
in the E, diffuses light and lusire to all within its circle. In like manner,
Worshipful Master, it is within your province to impart light and instruction to
the Brethren of your Lodge.
Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry,
seriously admonish them never to disgrace it, charge them to practise out of the
Lodge those excellent precepts they are taught within it and by virtuous,
amiable and discreet conduct, prove to the world the happy and beneficial
effects of our ancient and honourable Institution, so that when a man is said to
be a Freemason, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may
pour forth its sorrow, to whom the distressed may prefer their suit, whose hand
is guided by Justice and whose heart is expanded by Benevolence.
Finally, Worshipful Master, by a strict adherence to the By-Laws ol your
Lodge, the Book of Constitutions, but above all, the V. of the S.L. (points
to it), that Great Light which is given as a rule and guide to our
faith, you will be enabled to lay up a crown of joy and rejoicing which will
never fade but will remain until time shall be no more, and may T.G.A.O.T.U.
give you health, strength and wisdom, to conduct the affairs of your Lodge with
credit to yourself and to the satisfaction of its Members. (I.M.
salutes W.M. and, squaring the Lodge, returns to his seat).