Installation of the Principals
Royal Arch Chapter (Domatic Working)


1998


It is the duty of each Principal to install his successor, but if for any reason this is not being done the M.E.Z will call upon a qualified Companion to take the respective Chair before the proceedings commence.
If the Principal Elect of a particular rank is a Past Principal of that rank the Induction ceremonial is an option.
At the Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter held on 8 November 1961 approval was given for a variation in the series of Installations which then enabled all Companions to be present to witness the Obligations. Two forms listed in Royal Arch Proceedings were first styled Appendix "A" and Appendix "B" but these were amended in partial detail and were then listed as Appendix "C" and Appendix "D". The main difference between them is in the sequence in which the Principals are installed The Domatic form is under Appendix "C" where J., H., and Z., are Obligated in that order in Open Chapter and Z., H., and J., are installed in that sequence, which follows the pattern recorded in the Minutes of Grand
Chapter in 1810.
In brief, the ceremonial is in three parts:
1. Obligation of the Principals Elect in Open Chapter, commencing with J Elect, followed by H Elect, then Z. Elect.
2. Installation of Z. Elect in a Conclave of First Principals, followed by H. Elect in a Conclave of 2nd Principals, then J. Elect in a Conclave of Principals.
3 Explanation of Robes and Sceptres in Open Chapter after all Companions have been re-admitted.
Earlier printed Domatic rituals have the form of Installation that was in use prior to the adoption of Appendix "C", which was permissive, which thus catered for both options; it has been decided not to include the out-dated form as that is now rarely performed as all items relative to the Principal Elect were dealt with only in the appropriate Conclave and only those qualified could be present.
Obligations may now be taken either at the kneeling stool in the West or at the Pedestal but Domatic have chosen the West as it is easier for all concerned.
 

Obligation of the Principals Elect

M.E.Z., *: Comps. we will now proceed to the Obligation of the Principals Elect.
J. Elect is brought to position in the West by D.C. who gives R. or H. sign to the Name, discharges it before addressing the M.E.Z
D.C.: M.E , I present to you Comp. … (Name) regularly elected J... of this Chapter to take the Obligation of Third Principal.
Inst. P.: Worthy Companion, I congratulate you upon the honour conferred on you by the Chapter, and that your conduct as a man, and zeal and fidelity as a Mason, have thus met with the approbation and reward of the Companions.
Before I proceed to install you, I must ask if you are ready and willing to undertake and discharge with fidelity and zeal the duties of the high office to which you have been elected?
J. Elect: I am (No sign, no bowing).
Inst. P.: Do you promise to act in conjunction with the other two Principals in supporting the dignity of the Order, also the peace, harmony and unity of the Chapter over which you are about in part to preside?
J. Elect: I do.
Inst. P.: Do you promise to maintain, and cause to be maintained, the Laws and Regulations of Supreme Grand Chapter, as well as those established for the government of this Chapter?
J. Elect: I do.
Inst. P.: Do you promise to administer justice with impartiality, and reprove the disobedient with firmness and reason, at the same time never forgetting that Mercy is the Heavenly attribute of Him to whom our Sacred Temple is dedicated?
J. Elect: I do.
Inst. P.: And are you prepared to take the Solemn Obligation never improperly to reveal any of the Secrets or Mysteries which may now, or hereafter be communicated to you as Principal in the Order?
J. Elect: I am.
Inst P.: Then you will kneel (or) Then you will be covered, (done, remove gloves if worn) Support the V.S.L. on your left hand and place your right hand upon it. (Thumb not visible). (The D C. attends to this) (Knocks).
The Companions all rise, the Principals leave their Chairs and take up positions East of the Pedestal, Installing Principal in the centre with M.E Z. on his left and H. on his right both a half pace to his rear All show the sign of R the thumb is not visible.
Inst. P.: State your names at length and say after me:
I, … (Name) in the presence of the all-Merciful God, and of this Holy Royal Arch Chapter, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon With the last four words the D C. will place his left hand on the right hand of the Principal Elect to stress the importance most solemnly promise and swear never to reveal the secrets restricted to the Third Principals Chair to any individual whomsoever, unless it be to a Companion of this Supreme Degree who shall have been duly elected or appointed by lawfully constituted authority to that office, nor then unless assisted by two or more Installed Principals regularly congregated for that purpose I further solemnly promise that I will ever maintain, and cause to be maintained, so far as lies in my power, the Laws and Ordinances of Supreme Grand Chapter, and conform to the established rites and ceremonies of the Order, and never admit any Candidate for Exaltation to this Supreme Degree unless with the full conviction that he is worthy of that honour. All these points I solemnly swear to observe and I pray the Most High to keep me steadfast in this, the Solemn Obligation of Third Principal. (Drop sign of R).
Inst. P.: As a pledge of fidelity, and to render this, a Solemn Obligation, binding, you will seal it with your lips once on the V.S.L. (done) Rise, duly obligated Third Principal.
D C. will assist him to rise and will then conduct him to a seat in the Chapter (Replaces gloves). The Principals resume their seats and all Comps are seated. If the Third Principal is H. Elect then M.E.Z. will invite a P.Z. to occupy the Chair of J. who will disrobe in favour of the P.Z. and pass his Sceptre to him, D.C. assists in this and then takes up his wand to conduct H. Elect to the West for presentation. There is no need for the B.C. to use the R. or H. sign having done this at the commencement when presenting J Elect.
D.C., court bow: M.E., I present to you E. Comp. … (Name) H... Elect to take the Obligation of Second Principal.
Inst. P.: It cannot but be satisfactory and gratifying to your feelings that in discharging the duties of Third Principal of this Chapter you have been so far successful as to meet with the approbation of its members. Their respect and gratitude have been evinced by their selecting you to fill the more important office of Second Principal.
At your Installation on a former occasion, the duties of a Principal were fully pointed out to you, and as I have no doubt they are strongly impressed on your mind, I shall not repeat them, under the full conviction that you will not depart from that path of rectitude which has led you to further honour and preferment.
Before I proceed to install you, I must ask if you are willing to take the Solemn Obligation of Second Principal?
H. Elect.: I am. (No sign No bowing).
Inst. P.: Then you will kneel (or) then you will be covered, (done, remove gloves).
Support the V.S.L on your left hand and place your right hand upon it. (Thumbs not visible) (The D C attends to this, knocks).
The Companions all rise, the Principals leave their Chairs and take up positions East of the Pedestal, Installing Principal in the centre, M.E.Z. on his right and J. on his left both a half pace to the rear. All show the sign of R the thumb is not visible. State your names at length and say after me:
I, … (Name) in the presence of the All-Merciful and Eternal God, and of this Holy Royal Arch Chapter, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon (the D C will lay his left hand across the hand of H. Elect, as the last four words are repeated) most solemnly promise and swear that I will strictly adhere to the various Obligations entered into by me during my Masonic career, but above all, and under the promises of all my Obligations, that I will never divulge the secrets restricted to the Second Principal’s Chair to any individual whomsoever, unless it be to a Companion of this Supreme Degree who shall have been previously installed into the Chair of J..., duly elected to that of H... and obligated in a Royal Arch Chapter regularly congregated for that purpose. I further solemnly promise that I will discharge the duties of the office to the best of my ability, and I pray to the Most High, by His strength, to support me in my endeavours, and keep me steadfast in this, the Solemn Obligation of Second Principal.
(Drop sign of R).
Inst. P.: As a pledge of fidelity, and to render this, a Solemn Obligation, binding, you will seal it with your lips twice on the VS.L. (done).
Inst. P.: Rise, duly obligated Second Principal. The D.C. will assist him to rise and then conduct him to a seat in the Chapter, (replaces gloves), whilst the Principals return to resume their seats and all Comps. are seated. If the Second Principal is Z. Elect the M.E.Z will invite a P.Z. to occupy the Chair of H. who will disrobe in favour of the P.Z. and pass his Sceptre to him D.C. assists in this and then collects his wand to conduct Z. Elect to the West for presentation.
D.C, court bow to Installing Principal, no sign: M.E., I present to you E. Comp. … (Name) Z... Elect to take the Obligation of First Principal.
M.E Z.: E. Comp. … (Name) I congratulate you on the honour conferred on you by the Chapter, the members of which, no doubt in consideration of your many services and of the requisite Masonic knowledge you possess, have selected you to preside over them as First Principal.
The manner in which you have discharged the duties of the various offices held by you in Freemasonry, sufficiently proves your zeal and is an earnest of your future exertions. Let me, however, strongly impress on your mind that the further you advance in the mysteries of Freemasonry, and the higher you are elevated in rank, the greater are the duties and the more important are the services required of you.
The office of Z... is the highest Office the Chapter has in its power to confer. The members therefore have a right to demand that the Companion elected to that distinction and rank should be an example to all men and all Masons of moral and religious rectitude.
It is by such demeanour that you in return may expect the homage and respect due to the distinguished rank with which you are about to be invested, as well as the goodwill and affection of your Companions I must, therefore, in this Holy Royal Arch Chapter, ask if you are willing to take the Solemn Obligation of First Principal of the Chapter, and discharge the duties thereof to the best of your ability?
Z. Elect.: I am. (No sign No bowing).
M.E.Z.: Then you will kneel (or) then you will be covered (done, remove gloves) Support the V.S.L. on your left hand and place your right hand upon it. (Thumbs not visible) (The D C attends to this) (Knocks) The Companions all rise, the Principals leave their Chairs and take up positions East of the Pedestal, Installing Principal in the centre, H. on his right and J. on his left both half apace to the rear. All show the sign of R in which the thumb is not visible.
State your names at length and say after me: I, … (Name), in the presence of the All Merciful, Omnipotent and Eternal God, before his Sacred and Mysterious Name, and of this Holy Royal Arch Chapter, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon (the D.C. will lay his left hand across the hand of Z. Elect as the last four words are repeated) most solemnly promise and swear that I will forever preserve inviolate the secrets and mysteries restricted to the office and rank of Z... of the Order, that my breast shall be the sacred repository of those secrets, that I will never divulge the same to any individual whomsoever, unless it be to a Companion of this Supreme Degree who shall be fully entitled thereto according to the Ancient Regulations of the Order, and then only in a Conclave of Installed First Principals regularly congregated for that purpose I likewise solemnly promise that in the discharge of the duties of the office I will observe strict impartiality, and never appoint, or concur in the appointment of, a Companion to any subordinate office unless with a positive conviction that he is fully qualified. I further solemnly engage myself to act in conjunction with the other two Principals, thereby to promote obedience to the Laws and Regulations of Supreme Grand Chapter, and preserve that bond of harmony and fraternal union which has ever been the foundation of our whole Masonic structure. To all these points I solemnly pledge myself and I pray the Eternal Ruler of the Universe to keep me firm and faithful in this, the Solemn Obligation of First Principal. (Drop sign of R.).
M.E.Z.: As a pledge of fidelity, and to render this, a Solemn Obligation, binding, you will seal it with your lips three times on the V.S.L. (done).
M.E.Z.: Rise, duly obligated First Principal. D.C. assists him to rise and then conducts him to a seat in the Chapter. The Principals resume their seats and all Companions are seated.
M.E.Z., *: I must now request all below the rank of Installed First Principal to retire from the Chapter, with the exception of Z. Elect. (Done).
 

Conclave of Installed First Principals

M.E.Z., *: I declare this to be a duly constituted Conclave of Installed First Principals. *.
Z. Elect is brought to position in the West by D.C. who, gives court bow, then addresses M.E.Z.
D.C.: M.E., I present to you E. Comp. …
(Name) Z... Elect, to receive at your hands the benefit of Installation.
M.E.Z.: Comp. D.C., your presentation shall be attended to for which purpose you will communicate to E. Comp. … (Name) Z. Elect, the password, and the import of the password, leading to the First Principal’s Chair.
D.C. to Z. Elect: The word is … and the import of the word is ….
M.E.Z. to Z Elect: I must now call upon you for the password (given) the import of the password? (given).
M.E.Z.: You will now kneel in front of the First Principal’s Chair and attend to a portion of the Sacred Writings. (Knocks)
The Companions rise. The Principals leave their chairs and stand at a convenient distance therefrom. Asst. D.C., or Past First Principal attends to placing of kneeling stool in front of First Principal’s Chair. Z. Elect is conducted by D.C. to the stool. He kneels, facing the empty Chair, all others remain standing. A P.Z. reads the following passages from Scripture I Samuel, xvi, v 1-13, Exodus, iii, v 6 and 14.
"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided me a king among his sons.
"And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul I hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come To sacrifice to the Lord.
"And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do; and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
"And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the Elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
"And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord; sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
"And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the heart.
"Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
"Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath. the Lord chosen this.
"Again Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.
"And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest and behold, he keepeth the sheep And Samuel said unto Jesse Send and fetch him, for we will not sit down till he come hither.
"And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he.
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brethren. And the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
"Moreover, he said I AM the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God."
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
M.E Z.: E.Comp., in the portion of Scripture Just read we find that the Lord seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. He therefore selected his servant David to be anointed and invested with kingly power. You have this day, according to the ancient rites of our Institution, been prepared to enter on the princely rank held by our illustrious ancestors, and may the great I AM, whose eternal existence is signified by the Sacred Name itself, be with you now and for ever
M.E.Z.: Comps., let us pray. (All turn to the East with sign of R.).
M.E.Z.: We unite in heartfelt thanks to Thee, Almighty God, for the manifold blessings we have received from Thine inexhaustible store. Grant that our labours this day may produce the fruits of wisdom, sanctity and love, and that whilst we are striving to erect an earthly Tabernacle to Thy Holy Name, we may at the same time prepare a path to Thy Heavenly Temple where peace and glory reign for ever and ever. (Drop sign of R.).
All Comps.: So mote it be.
D.C. instructs Z. Elect to rise and face the Installing Principal. The kneeling stool is restored to its place in the East.
M.E.Z.: I now entrust you with the Sign and Word of a First Principal. The sign is given thus (M.E.Z. and Z. Elect turn to Pedestal and show sign) the Word is …, the import of which is I.A.T.I.A. (Drop sign). This word you will always repeat to yourself, at the same time kissing your Sceptre on taking your seat in the First Principal’s Chair. (At this stage the D.C. will take the robe from A.D.C. who had assisted the M.E.Z to disrobe, and help the new Z. Elect into it. The collar will be handed to the installing Principal who will then, and only then continue the ceremony) I invest you with the Jewel (done) and clothe you with the robe of your Office (draws the two edges of the robe at chest height together as a token gesture) (the Sceptre is handed to him) I place in your hand this Sceptre (done) you will now kiss your Sceptre, repeat the word ... to yourself and take your seat in the First Principal’s Chair.
The newly Installed M.E.Z. takes his seat at once and all Comps. resume their seats.
A.D.C. removes the kneeling stool to its place near to the East of the Pedestal. D.C. takes his wand, goes to the I.P.Z. gives a court bow to him and conducts him to M.E.Z. the A.D.C will hand the I.P.Z. collar to the D.C. who hands it to M.E.Z.
M.E.Z. to I.P.Z.: E.Comp. … (name) I now invest you with this collar and jewel as I.P.Z. of this Chapter. From the manner in which you have conducted the business of the Chapter during your year of office I have no doubt that should I require assistance my reliance on your co-operation will not be misplaced.
(A court bow is exchanged and both resume their seats)
M.E.Z., *: Comps. I declare this Conclave of Installed First Principals closed. *.
 

Conclave of Installed Second Principals

M E.Z.: Comp D.C. you will admit Second Principals and H. Elect. (Done)
M.E.Z, *: I declare this to be a duly constituted Conclave of Installed Second Principals. *.
H Elect is brought to point of address in the West by D.C. (court bow) who then addresses M.E.Z.
D.C.: M.E., I present to you E. Comp. … (Name) H. Elect. to receive at your hands the benefit of Installation.
Inst. P.: Comp. D.C., your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose you will communicate to E. Comp. … (name) H. Elect, the password, and the import of the password, leading to the Second Principal’s Chair.
D.C. to H. Elect: The word is … and the import of the word is ....
Inst. P. to H. Elect: I must now call upon you for the password (given) and the import of the password? (given).
Inst. P.: You will now kneel in front of the Second Principal’s Chair and attend to a portion of the Sacred Writings. *.
The Companions rise. The Principals leave their chairs and stand at a convenient distance therefrom Asst. D.C. or Past Principal attends to placing of kneeling stool in front of Second Principal’s Chair. H. Elect is conducted by D.C. to the stool. He kneels, all others remain standing. A Past Principal reads the following passages, 1 Sam iii, 1-21, Genesis xvii, 1; Exodus vi, 6, Exodus xiv,21-27:
"And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
"And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see.
"And ere the lamp of God went out in the Temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep.
"That the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, Here am I.
"And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
"And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son. Lie down again.
"Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.
"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.
"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go lie down, and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak, for Thy servant heareth.
"And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
"In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house; when I begin, I will also make an end.
"For 1 have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth, because his sons made themselves vile, and he restraineth them not.
"And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
"And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
"Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son And he answered, Here am I.
"And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me; God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
"And Samuel told him every whit and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord; Let him do what seemeth him good.
"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
"And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.
"And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh; for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
"And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground, and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
"And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen.
"And it came to pass, that in the morning watch, the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire, and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.
"And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
"And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared: and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
Inst. P.: E. Comp. … (Name) in your Obligation you have called upon the Most High to support you by His strength and keep you faithful to your pledge, and in the portion of Scripture just read we have an ample record of His majesty and mighty acts, and His willingness at all times to assist those who love, fear and obey Him.
Let me, therefore, exhort you to a strict adherence to His Holy Will and Word, and ever be ready to say in the language of the elect, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth," for His arm is ever outstretched to succour those who truly call upon Him. His bounty is not confined.
Inst. P.: Therefore, let us with awe and reverence bend before His Holy Name and say: (All turn to the East with sign of R).
Almighty Father, who in the hour of peril and persecution assisted Thy chosen people Israel, and subdued their enemies, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, a continuance of Thy favour and protection. Let the knowledge of Thy power and goodness which Thou hast vouchsafed unto us, inspire us with gratitude for the manifold blessings we have received at Thy hands, and grant that during our sojourn in this world of sin we may overcome the powers of darkness,
and ever live according to Thy Holy Will and commandments. (Drop sign of R.)
All Comps.: So mote it be
D.C. instructs H. Elect to rise and face the Installing Principal. The kneeling stool is returned to its place in the East.
Inst. P.: I now entrust you with the Sign, and Word of a Second Principal. The Sign is given thus … (demonstrates) in allusion to that portion of Scripture just read: Moses dividing the waters. The Word is ..., the import of the Word is ….
This Word you will always repeat to yourself at the same time K… your Sceptre on taking your seat in the Second Principal’s Chair.
At this stage the D.C. will take the robe from A.D.C. who had assisted H. to disrobe, and help the new H. into it. The collar will be handed to the Installing Principal who will then, and only then continue the ceremony.
I now invest you with the Jewel (done) and clothe you with the Robe of your office.
(Draws the two edges of the robe at chest height together as a token gesture. The Sceptre is handed to him). I place in your hands this Sceptre. (Done).
You will now K. your Sceptre, repeat the Word to yourself, and take your seat in the Second Principal’s Chair (done).
(The newly Installed Principal takes his seat at once and all Comps. resume their seats.
A.D.C. restores the K. stool to its place in the East D.C. conducts the former occupant of the Principal’s Chair to an appropriate seat in the Chapter).
M.E.Z., *: Comps., I declare this Conclave of Installed Second Principals closed. *.
 
Conclave of Installed Principals

M.E.Z.: Comp. D.C. You will admit Third Principals and J. Elect. (Done).
Installed Third Principals and J. Elect are admitted to the Chapter J. Elect is halted just inside the Chapter; the door being then closed.
M.E Z., *: I declare this to be a duly constituted Conclave of Installed Principals. *.
D.C. to J. Elect: Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground whereon thou standest is holy. (Done) D.C. presents basin of water and towel.
D.C.: Repeat after me: I will wash mine hands in innocency, thus will I compass Thine A…r (suiting action to the words) J. Elect replaces shoes and is then brought to position in the West by D.C. who then addresses M.E.Z.
D.C., court bow: M.E., I present to you Comp. … (Name) regularly elected J. of this Chapter, to receive the benefit of Installation.
Inst. P.: Comp. D.C., your presentation shall be attended to, but I must call upon the worthy Companion … (Name) for the password leading to the Third Principal’s Chair, which is the word of an Installed Master. (Given) The import of the password? (Given).
Inst. P.: You will now kneel in front of the Third Principal’s Chair and attend to a portion of the Sacred Writings. (Knocks)
The Companions rise. The Principals leave their chairs and stand at a convenient distance therefrom Asst. D.C. or Past Principal attends to placing of the kneeling stool in front of Third Principal’s Chair. J. Elect is conducted by D.C. to the stool. He kneels, all others remain standing. A Past Principal reads the following passages, Leviticus viii, 1-12, Numbers xvi, 46-48, Genesis xxxiii, 20. During the reading of verses 8-12 of Leviticus viii, J. Elect is anointed:
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
"Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread.
"And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation.
"And Moses did as the Lord commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation.
"And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done.
"And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.
"And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
"And he put the breastplate upon him; also he put in the breastplate the Urim and Thummim.
"And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the Lord commanded Moses.
"And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the Tabernacle, and all that was therein, and sanctified them.
"And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the layer and his foot, to sanctify’ them.
"And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
"And Moses said unto Aaron, take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them, for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.
"And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people, and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
"And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stayed
"And he erected there an altar and called it, El-elohe-Israel."
Inst. P.: Comp., at your Initiation you were recommended to study the Sacred Law, and charged to make it the rule and guide of your faith, and from the progress you have made in Freemasonry, I have no doubt you have steadily adhered to that recommendation; I shall, therefore, not detain you by attempting to explain or expound the portions of Scripture Just read.
It will be sufficient to observe that Moses has handed down to us and our posterity a record of the mercy of the Most High, thus amply evinced by sending His High Priest into the midst of the dying and the dead to stay the pestilence with which He had visited His sinful people.
Comps., let us pray: (all turn to the East with sign of R.) Almighty God, who has permitted us to number this our worthy Companion amongst the rulers in the Order, grant that his life and actions may ever be guided by Thy Holy Will and Word Inspire him, and us, with humility and ready obedience to Thee and Thy Laws, and let that mercy shewn to Thy earlier people not be withheld from us, so that after the closing hour of existence we may be numbered amongst those elected by Thy goodness into the Temple of Eternal Bliss and Glory. (Drop
sign of R.).
All Comps.: So mote it be.
D.C. instructs J. Elect to rise and face the Installing Principal. The kneeling stool is restored to its place to the East of the Pedestal.
Inst P.: I now entrust you with the Sign and Word of a Third Principal. The Sign is given as if S... the C… with the R… and with the L… shielding the N… from the pestilence, in allusion to the portion of Scripture just read, Aaron making atonement for the sins of the people.
The Word is …, the import of the Word is …. This Word you will always repeat to yourself at the same time K... your Sceptre on taking your seat in the Third Principal’s Chair.
At this stage the D.C. will take the robe from A.D.C. who has assisted J. to disrobe and help the new J. into it. The collar will be handed to the Installing Principal who will then and only then continue the ceremony.
I now invest you with the Jewel (done) and clothe you with the Robe of your office.
(Draws the two edges of the robe at chest height together as a token gesture The Sceptre is handed to him). I place in your hands this Sceptre. (Done)
You will now K... your Sceptre, repeat the Word ... to yourself, and take your seat in the Third Principal’s Chair.
The newly Installed Principal takes his seat at once and all Comps resume their seats D.C. conducts the former occupant of the J. Chair to an appropriate seat in the Chapter.
M.E.Z., *: Comps. I declare this Conclave of Installed Principals closed.
*.
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