Order of the True Kindred
Installation Ceremonies

 
1923

The installation ceremonies may be performed in public. The Installing Officer must be the Worthy Supreme Commander, a Past Worthy Supreme Commander, a Worthy Grand Commander, a Past Worthy Grand Commander or a Past Worthy Commander.
The first officers of a new Conclave must be installed by the Worthy Grand Commander or her Deputy. In States where a Grand Conclave has not yet been organized the first officers must be installed by the Worthy Supreme Commander or her Deputy.
If the Worthy Supreme Commander presides, the Marshal, Chaplain, and Organist will be Supreme Marshal, etc. If the Worthy Grand Commander presides, the Marshal, Chaplain, and Organist will be Grand Marshal, etc. If a Past Worthy Commander presides, she will be addressed as Worthy Commander and the assisting officers will have Sister or Brother affixed to their titles.
The officers’ regalia and the open Bible should be on the Altar before the Assembly is called to order.
The Worthy Commander calls the meeting to order, and appoints and introduces the Mistress of Ceremonies, who says:
M. of C.: Sisters, Brothers and friends, on behalf of … Conclave of True Kindred, I extend to you a most cordial welcome to this, our public Installation. We trust that you may glean from our beautiful ceremonies some knowledge of our aims and purposes, and we pray that the blessings of Fraternity, Truth and Charity, the foundation principles of our Order, may rest like a benediction upon your daily lives.
Senior and Junior Deacons, you will escort the Installing Officers into our Temple.
Deacons rise, and accompanied by Worthy Commander, walk on square to Altar, thence to Vice Commander’s station and to door of preparation room.
Senior and Junior Deacons escort the Grand Installing Officer, and Grand Marshal and Chaplain follow.
Senior Deacon will introduce the Grand Installing Officer, and Grand Marshal, and the Junior Deacon will introduce Grand Chaplain. M. of C. may welcome these officers in her own words, then say:
M. of C.: Senior and Junior Deacons, you will escort the Installing Officers to their stations.
Deacons escort the Grand Installing Officer to the East, return on square to Altar, and Senior Deacon escorts the Grand Marshal to Senior Deacon’s chair and Junior Deacon escorts the Grand Chaplain to Chaplain’s chair. Then Deacons return to Altar, placing staffs on either side of Altar, then take their seats on side (or retire if to be installed). M. of C. introduces G. I. O.
G. I. O.: It gives me great pleasure to have as my assistants Sister …, as Grand Marshal; Sister …, as Grand Chaplain, and Sister …, as Grand Organist. Grand Marshal, you will invite the officers-elect to enter our Temple.
The chairs have been previously placed in straight lines between Altar and Vice Commander’s station. Officers march in and are seated.
G. I. O.: Sisters, Brothers and Friends, we are assembled here tonight to install the Officers who have been elected and appointed to serve this Conclave for the ensuing year, but, before proceeding to invest them with authority, we desire to pay our tribute of love and honor to those whose services during the past year deserve this just recognition.
To the Officers:
G. I. O.: Sisters and Brothers, for the past twelve months you have performed your duty to this Conclave faithfully and well.
Through your earnest efforts and unswerving loyalty, our Order has steadily advanced and you have, indeed, earned the reward of the faithful. Having borne the mantle of responsibility and learned the difficulties that lie before us in the advancement of our noble cause, we are assured that you will be able advisors and staunch helpers in the unknown future, and on memory’s beautiful walls there is a place dedicated to each of you.
G. I. O.: Worthy Commander, are all things in readiness for the Installation of these newly elected officers?
Worthy Commander arises when addressed.
W. C.: They are, Grand Installing Officer.
G. I. O.: That we may not be unmindful that a Father’s love is ever over us and that we are daily guided by Divine power, I would ask our Grand Chaplain to approach the Altar and reverently ask God’s blessing upon our deliberations.
Chaplain approaches Altar. G. I. O. gives * * *.
Prayer:
Chap.: God of Our Fathers, the same yesterday, today and forever, we thank Thee for the privileges we enjoy of meeting together in Thy name and learning lessons of fidelity and love from Thy Holy Word. We ask Thy blessing to rest upon this Conclave and these officers now about to be installed.
May they realize the binding obligation of their vows: their duties and responsibilities!
As the light of the rising sun in the East disperses the darkness and chill of the night, so may jealousy, contention and selfishness be driven away by the virtues of Fraternity, Truth and Charity.
May Thy presence ever abide with us that we may become builders on the imperishable temple of Wisdom and Love, that our joy may be full now and forever more. Amen.
Seats Conclave.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will call the roll of officers-elect; who will arise and remain in their positions.
Grand Marshal calls roll of officers.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, the officers-elect are before you and await your instructions.
Calls up Conclave.
G. I. O.: You will place your right hand over your heart and repeat after me the obligation.
 
 
Obligation
 
In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses here assembled, I solemnly pledge, on my honor, to perform the duties devolving upon me while an Officer of this Conclave, according to my ability and strength.
I promise to obey the By-laws of this Conclave, together with those of the Supreme and Grand Conclaves, and strive earnestly to keep my True Kindred vow.
Conclave is seated.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Worthy Past Commander.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the honor and pleasure to present Sister … to be installed as the Worthy Past Commander of this Conclave.
G. I. O.: The title of Worthy Past Commander signifies that you have served this Conclave in its highest office and that you are now prepared, out of your experience, to assist not only our Worthy Commander, but every member of the Conclave. May you give this assistance in the spirit of Love and Charity. You will receive as a badge of distinction a Past Worthy Commander’s jewel and let it remind you to keep unsullied the record you have made. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our sister with the regalia of her office, and conduct her to her station at the left of the Worthy Commander.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Worthy Commander-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the honor to present Sister … who has been elected to the responsible position of Worthy Commander of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, as Worthy Commander, you are the presiding Officer of this Conclave, and as you have received the highest honor, so upon you rests the greatest responsibility.
It is to you, above all others, that we look for that peace and harmony which is essential to our growth and prosperity.
May it be your constant aim to so illustrate the virtues of Fraternity, Truth and Charity in your own life, that others may see your good works, and emulate your noble example! The gavel is your emblem of authority, and as no True Kindred will disobey its call, I admonish you to use it wisely and well. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station in the East.
Calls up Conclave.
Hands gavel to new Worthy Commander.
G. I. O.: Sisters and Brothers of Conclave, I now present to you your Worthy Commander. You will salute her with the proper honors.
Worthy Commander seats Conclave.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Counselor-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the pleasure to present Sister …, who has been elected Counselor of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, yours is a position requiring much wisdom and caution. You should be a faithful assistant and have a correct knowledge of our By-Laws and be ready and willing to give your advice whenever it is solicited by your Worthy Commander.
G. M. gives Book of Laws.
G. I. O.: The book of laws is your authority.
Let it remind you to be obedient to law and order, and extend true Justice to others.
Grand Marshal, you will clothe our sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station at the right of the Worthy Commander.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Vice Commander-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the pleasure to present Sister …, who has been elected Vice Commander of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, you are to preside in the West, see that the Guards are at their posts, and assist in preserving the Harmony and Decorum of the Temple, so that the dignity of the East may find a fitting reflection in your earnestness and zeal.
G. M. gives Square and Compasses.
G. I. O.: The Square and Compasses are the emblems entrusted to you and should so assist in maintaining the high standard of the True Kindred that the Masonic Brethren will not regret our relationship to them. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station in the West.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the High Priest-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the pleasure to present Sister …, who has been elected High Priest of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, the most sacred and tender duties of our Conclave have been given to you. Truly have we learned "That into each life sorrow must sometime come," and it is your duty to speak words of comfort to those who mourn, directing their thoughts in Faith and Love to "Him who doeth all things well," so that at last they may be able to say, "Weeping endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
"There is no flock, however watched and tended,
But one dead lamb is there!
There is no fireside, howsoe’er defended,
But has one vacant chair."
It is also your duty to supervise and direct our burial services when desired.
May strength from above be yours as you thus minister unto others, and help us to remember the sacred vows we have taken.
G. M. gives D….
G. I. O.: Your emblem is the d… and may it remind you that, when sorrow pierces the heart like a dagger, there is need of human sympathy and help. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station in the South.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Secretary-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I take pleasure in presenting Sister (or Brother) …,who has been elected Secretary of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, it devolves upon you to keep a correct and impartial record of the business of the meetings, collect and pay over to the Treasurer all money due the Conclave, receive and answer promptly and courteously all correspondence, and forward to the Grand Secretary the annual reports.
Your duties are arduous, and your responsibility great, but upon your efficient faithfulness largely depends the welfare of your Conclave.
G. M. gives Pen and Seal.
G. I. O.: Your symbol of office is the pen and seal, and should remind you that when rightly used "the pen is mightier than the sword." Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station in the South-East.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Treasurer-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the pleasure to present Sister …, who has been elected Treasurer of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister (or Brother), the funds of this Conclave are about to be entrusted to your care and it speaks well for the confidence thus reposed in you. So conduct yourself in your position that it will bring to you both honor and gratitude.
G. M. gives keys.
G. I. O.: The keys are your emblems of office and remind you to guard well your trust, so that unworthy or dishonest motives may not be imputed to you. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station in the North-East.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, present the Chaplain-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the pleasure to present Sister …, who has been elected Chaplain of this Conclave for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sister, the duties of your office are of a Scriptural nature. You have been selected to so lead us in our devotions that we shall ever remember our dependence upon the source of all Wisdom and Love, and "so live that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may be acceptable in His sight who is our strength and our Redeemer."
G. M. gives Bible.
G. I. O.: The Bible is the symbol of your office, and may it ever be as a light to your feet and a guide to your pathway. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and-conduct her to her station in the North.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Senior and Junior Deacons-elect.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the honor to present Sister … and Sister … who have been appointed to fill the offices of Senior and Junior Deacons for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sisters, to you belongs the honor of introducing and directing the candidates who seek to understand the teachings of the True Kindred, and of receiving all who come as our guests. It is incumbent upon you to be faithful, courteous and kind, so that visitors and candidates will alike be impressed with the beauty and solemnity of our work.
G. M. gives staffs.
G. I. O.: The staffs are the symbols of your office, and may they serve you on life’s pathway, as a support when weary and a guide to higher and better knowledge.
Grand Marshal, you will clothe these Sisters with the regalia of their office and conduct them to their stations.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Guards.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I have the honor to present Sister … and Sister …, who have been appointed to serve as Inner and Outer Guards for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Sisters, it is your Duty to guard the inner and outer doors, and see that no interruption mars the peace of our inner Temple. Faithful Guards are ever watchful and cautious. They open the doors of the inner Court only to worthy members and visitors who have been accorded permission by the Vice Commander.
G. M. gives sword to Outer Guard.
G. I. O.: Outer Guard, the sword is your symbol of office and signifies security and protection. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sisters with the regalia of their office, and conduct them to their stations at the door of our Temple.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Advisors.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I take pleasure in presenting Brother … and Brother …, who have been chosen to fill the offices of Advisor and Deputy Advisor for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: My Brother, as Advisor it is your duty to assist the Worthy Commander on all matters pertaining to the betterment of the Order and to see that all applicants for admission are legally entitled to enter.
You will also give your advice on any matter relative to our ceremonies when requested to do so by your Worthy Commander.
Deputy Advisor, it is your duty to officiate in the absence of the Advisor and assist him at all times when necessary, or when requested to do so. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Brothers with the regalia of their office and conduct them to their stations in the North-West and South-West of this Temple.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Organist.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I take pleasure in presenting Sister …, who has been appointed Organist for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: Sister Organist, yours is a most important position. Strains of sweet melody bring harmony out of discord, drive away bitter and contentious feelings, cheer sad hearts, and make our Conclave meetings pleasant and agreeable. It is your duty to be present, if possible at all sessions, so that our ceremonies may not be lacking in beauty and impressiveness. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sister with the regalia of her office and conduct her to her station.
G. I. O.: Grand Marshal, you will present the Lecturer and Custodian.
G. M.: Grand Installing Officer, I take pleasure in presenting Sister …, who has been appointed Lecturer, and Sister …, who has been appointed Custodian, for the ensuing year.
G. I. O.: Sister Lecturer, yours is a position of much honor and dignity, for to you is entrusted the first lesson given to those who seek the paths of Wisdom and Righteousness. May you so conduct yourself in the affairs of life as to be a living example of that most ancient and Holy charge.
Sister Custodian, yours is no light task.
You are to have charge of the paraphernalia, and all property of the Conclave used in the Temple room. You must see that the Regalia, Jewels and emblems are in their proper places at each meeting, and that they are cared for at the close of the session. You will be held responsible for their safe keeping when not in use, and must give a correct account of all supplies at the end of your term of office. You are privileged to call upon the Deacons for assistance when needed. Grand Marshal, you will clothe our Sisters with the regalia of their office and conduct them to their stations.
G. I. O.: Sisters, Brothers and Friends, an organization of any nature whatsoever, means that only the few can be chosen to rule, while the many must submit and obey. You have by your free ballot selected these officers to serve you, and I have installed them into their several stations. 1 am fully persuaded that not one of them will exceed the authority that you have given into their hands nor violate the solemn obligation they have taken. As you enter together upon a new year, I pray that your lives will be lives of service and your work successful and harmonious.
We are the True Kindred, the wives, widows, mothers, daughters, and sisters, of Master Masons, linked to them by this beautiful Order, not to desire or expect undue privileges from our Masonic Brothers, but to offer our help in every loving service they render to humanity, care for those in sorrow or distress, clothe the friendless babes and orphans and so broaden our hearts and minds that the tongue will be ever silent, save to comfort and bless. We feel that this is a purpose so worthy that the best and noblest can unite with us. We ask your cooperation and encouragement as we labor faithfully in this part of the Master’s Vineyard, for
"We cannot hope to be Mowers
And gather the bright golden ears,
Until we have first been sowers,
And watered the furrows with tears,
It is not just as we take it,
This mystical world of ours;
Life’s field will yield as we make it,
A harvest of thorns or of flowers."
G. I. O.: Worthy Commander of … Conclave No. …, it is now my pleasure to entrust to your keeping this gavel, which I hope in your hands will be truly an emblem of love, as well as authority. Although it will be necessary to wield it with firmness, let all your decisions be tempered with justice and kindness, and may it be your daily prayer, like Solomon of old, for Wisdom and strength from above.
Worthy Commander calls up Conclave.
Grand Marshal, you will declare the officers of this Conclave duly installed.
G. M.: By order of the Grand Installing Officer and of the Grand Conclave, I declare the officers of Conclave duly installed for the ensuing year.

Home