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Ceremony for Installation of Officersof Subordinate LodgesIntroductionThe installation of lodge officers has been a function of the Grand Master, or an officer he designates sincetime immemorial. No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected orappointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority.This ceremony, revised in 2013 relies heavily on the work of the prolificMasonic author and commentator, Robert Macoy who first set it down inwriting in 1885. The Assistant Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of NewYork, Macoy was instrumental in writing and recording Masonicceremonies, and he was the author of the Adoptive Rite of the Order of theEastern 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 importantfunction of the Grand Lodge, and one of the few occasions that local lodge officers, and the public can observeGrand Lodge ceremonies – it is, therefore, only fitting that we adopt a standard ceremony that emphasizeswith due solemnity, these important occasions, and that we deliver a presentation of which will bring credit tothe Grand Lodge.The Importance of PreparationThe Grand Master acknowledges the importance of installing lodge officers and will make every effort toschedule 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 aturnout 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 dressfor the occasion, and the event should be given the importance and dignity that the occasion requires.
Lodge SecretaryIn 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 temto 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 neededfrom among the Grand Lodge officers.Collect all officers’ jewels and place them on the altar for the installing marshal.ExpectationsIf we agree that the installation of officers are some of the most important occasions the lodge, or GrandLodge, can facilitate, then there is absolutely no excuse for a shabby presentation; anything less showsMasonry 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 ceremonyConclusionOfficer installations are important events for not only our fraternity but for our brethren being installed andtheir families. It is therefore only proper that Grand Lodge and local officers work together to ensure ameaningful ceremony.For Grand Lodge presenters – they must act both as an emcee and an ambassador and it is of the utmostimportance to create a positive impression both for our members and any potential members who may attendan emblem ceremony. Grand Lodge officers should dress formally if the occasion requires it, or ear theirappearance suit at a minimum, as well as collar, jewel, and apron to all installations. District and Area Deputiesshould 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 toreceive visitors, some of whom may have never visited a Masonic lodge before. A proper appearance isaugmented by professional behavior. All officers should be prompt; arriving and starting the ceremony ontime.Finally, be certain to display a positive attitude, and above all, enjoy the time you spend with our newlyinstalled officers.2
Roster of Officers To Be InstalledMasterSenior WardenJunior WardenTreasurerSecretaryChaplainSenior DeaconJunior DeaconSenior StewardJunior StewardTyler3
Prior to the start of the ceremony, the Installing Master should remind the audience to silencetheir cell phones.The MasterBrother Marshal, have you carefully examined the Masterelect, and do you find him well skilled in the noble scienceand 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 tobe installed Master of this Lodge. I find him to be of good morals, and ofgreat skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt notthat he will discharge his duties with fidelity and with honor.My Brother, previous to your investiture, it is necessary that youshould signify your assent to those Ancient Charges and Regulations whichpoint 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 themoral law?II. Do you agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conformto the laws of the country in which you reside?III. Do you promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiraciesagainst the government, but patiently submit to the law and theconstituted authorities?IV. Do you agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, towork diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men?V. Do you agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patronsof the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme andsubordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards andresolutions of your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistentwith the Constitutions of the Order?VI. Do you agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guardagainst intemperance and excess?5
VII. Do you agree to be cautious in carriage and behavior, courteousto your brethren and faithful to your Lodge?VIII. Do you promise to respect genuine brethren, and todiscountenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan ofMasonry?IX. Do you agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivatethe social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art?X. Do you promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the timebeing, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform toevery edict of the Grand Lodge that is not subversive of the principles andground work of Masonry?XI. Do you admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body ofmen, to make innovations in the body of Masonry?XII. Do you promise a regular attendance on the committees andcommunications of the Grand Lodge on receiving proper notice; and to payattention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions?6
XIII. Do you admit that no new Lodge shall be formed withoutpermission of the Grand Lodge; and that no countenance be given to anyirregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, beingcontrary 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, anddue inquiry into his character?XV. Do you agree that no visitors shall be received into your Lodgewithout due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their havingbeen initiated into a regular Lodge?These are the Regulations of Free and Accepted Masons. Once again Iask you: Do you submit to these charges and promise to support theseregulations 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 andRegulations 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 yourcharge.‐‐The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to alltruth; it will direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out toyou the whole duty of man.‐‐The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, andto 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; pressforward in the path of virtue, and neither inclining to the right nor the left,in all our actions have eternity in view.‐‐The Line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoiddissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to thepath which leads to immortality.9
‐‐The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it tobe read in your Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellentprecepts it enjoins.‐‐The Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held, you arecarefully to preserve, and in no case should it ever be out of yourimmediate control, and you should duly transmit it to your successor inoffice.‐‐The By‐Laws of your Lodge, you are to see carefully and punctuallyexecuted.You will be conducted to the East, where you will take your seat in theOriental Chair.The new Master is now placed on the right of the Installing Officer* * * Master, behold your brethren!Brethren, behold your Master! Let us salute him with the Public GrandHonors which are three times three, right over left, taking your count fromme.Applause. *10
The Senior WardenMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed Senior Warden of this Lodge.My Brother, you have been elected Senior Warden of this Lodge, andare now invested with the insignia of your office.The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock,partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and thoughdistinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet noeminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren; for hewho is placed on the lowest spoke of Fortune's wheel may be entitled toour regard; because a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon,when all distinctions, but that of goodness, should cease; and Death, thegrand leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.Your regular attendance at our stated meetings is essentiallynecessary. In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this Lodge; inhis presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly relyupon your knowledge of Masonry and attachment to the Lodge for thefaithful discharge of the duties of this important trust. Look well to theWest.You will be conducted to your station.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal.11
The Junior WardenMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed as Junior Warden of this Lodge.My Brother, you have been elected Junior Warden of this Lodge, andare now invested with the badge of your office.The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; tohold the scales of Justice in equal poise; to observe the just mediumbetween intemperance and pleasure; and to make our passions andprejudices coincide with the line of our duty.To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft during thehours of refreshment; it is, therefore, indispensably necessary that youshould not only be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your owninclinations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft be suffered toconvert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance and excess. Yourregular and punctual attendance is particularly requested, and I have nodoubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to yourpresent position. Look well to the South.You will be conducted to your station.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal.12
The TreasurerMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed as Treasurer of this Lodge.My Brother, you have been elected Treasurer of this Lodge, and arenow invested with the badge of your office.It is your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of the Secretary;keep just and regular accounts of the same, and pay them out by order ofthe Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge. I trust your regard forthe Fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties ofyour office.You will be conducted to your place.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal.13
The SecretaryMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed as Secretary of this Lodge.Worthy Brother, you have been elected Secretary of this Lodge, andare now invested with the badge of your office.It is your duty to observe all the proceedings of the Lodge; make a fairrecord of all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due the Lodge,and pay them over to the Treasurer. Your good inclination to Masonry andthis Lodge, I hope, will induce you to discharge the duties of your officewith fidelity, and, by so doing, you will merit the esteem and applause ofyour brethren.You will be conducted to your place.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal.14
The ChaplainMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed as Chaplain of this Lodge.My Reverend Brother, you are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, andare now invested with the badge of your office.It is your duty to perform those solemn services which we shouldconstantly render to our Infinite Creator; and which, when offered, by onewhose holy profession is "to point to heaven, and lead the way," may, byrefining our souls, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds,prepare us for admission into the society of those above, whose happinesswill be as endless as it is perfect.You will be conducted to your place.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal.15
The Senior and Junior DeaconsMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthyBrothers and to be installedrespectively as Senior and Junior Deacons of thisLodge.Brethren, you are appointed Deacons of this Lodge, and are nowinvested with the badge of your office.It is your province to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act astheir proxies in the active duties of the Lodge; such as in the reception ofcandidates into the different degrees of Masonry, the introduction andaccommodation of visitors, and in the immediate practice of our rites. TheSquare and Compasses, as badges of your office, I entrust to your care, notdoubting your vigilance and attention.You will be conducted to your places.They are conducted to their proper stations by the Marshal.16
The Senior and Junior StewardsMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brothersand to be installed respectively as Seniorand Junior Stewards of this Lodge.My Brethren, you are appointed Stewards of this Lodge, and are nowinvested with the badge of your office.You are to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing theirrespective duties. Your regular and early attendance at our meetings willafford the best proof of your zeal and attachment to the Lodge.You will be conducted to your places.They are conducted to their proper stations by the Marshal.17
The TylerMarshal‐‐‐ Worshipful Master, I present my worthy Brotherto be installed as Tyler of this Lodge.Brother, you are appointed Tyler of this Lodge, and are now investedwith the implement of your office.As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable himeffectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers,and suffer none to pass or re‐pass but such as are duly qualified, so itshould admonish us to set a guard over our thoughts, a watch at our lips,post a sentinel over our actions; thereby preventing the approach of everyunworthy thought or deed, and preserving consciences void of offensetoward God and toward man. Your early and punctual attendance willafford the best proof of your zeal for the institution.You will be conducted to your station.He is conducted to his proper station by the Marshal, just inside the door.18
Charge to the MasterI WILL NOW GIVE THE MASTER HIS CHARGE(The Master is asked to please rise)Worshipful Brother, having been chosen to preside over this Lodge, youcannot be insensible of the obligations which devolve upon you. Thehonor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge will materially dependupon the skill and ability with which you manage its concerns.As Master of this Lodge, it will be your especial duty to attend to theadministration of its ceremonies, preserve the Ancient Landmarks of theOrder now committed to your care, and permit no innovation in theprinciples or rites of the Order.Upon all suitable occasions remind the brethren that Masonry is foundedupon the great moral principles set forth in the Sacred Volume, which wereceive as the rule and guide of our faith and practice.Exhort them to govern themselves by these principles, as well with theworld at large as with each other. Teach them to revere the three greatlights, comprehending the Holy Writings, the perfect square, and theextended compasses, the beautiful symbolism of which is familiar to you,and the explanations of which include some of the most important dutiesinculcated in our Mystic Circle.19
Be ever mindful that great care should be taken in the admission ofmembers, lest by the introduction of bad materials the Institution shouldbecome corrupted. It should be constantly borne in mind that therespectability and usefulness of a Lodge does not consist in the number,but in the character of its members.It is better that no workman be added to the roll than even one unworthyfoot allowed to cross the threshold of the Lodge. The uninitiated judgeMasonry by the conduct of its individual members, therefore you shouldbe as careful of the reputation of your Lodge as that of your own family.As you would admit none to the society of the latter whose character isbad, so should you carefully exclude such from the former.As it is the purpose of Freemasonry to create friendship; to makeprovision for the relief of poor and distressed brethren, to protect thewidow and the orphan; to inculcate reverence for the Grand Architect ofUniverse; and to encourage the growth of the social virtues which dignifyand adorn human nature, and render mankind peaceful and happy, thedoors of the Lodge should be sternly closed against the idle, theprofligate, the intemperate, and licentious. If, unfortunately, unworthymembers gain admission, it will be your duty to exercise proper disciplineto correct abuses, and restrain the refractory. Unruly members must bereduced to order. The first risings of vice must be suppressed, and whenkind and affectionate admonitions fail, the unworthy should be removedas a blot upon the Order.20
It is also your duty, and will no doubt be your pleasure, to spread lightand impart knowledge to the brethren of your Lodge; to preserve thepurity of our Order, and maintain unimpaired its ancient rites andceremonies. They are to be frequently reminded of the duties they oweto Almighty GOD, the giver of every good and perfect gift. They must betaught to be good men and true; to be sober, industrious, charitable,upright in their dealings, friendly in their social intercourse, and to live inlove and peace, having consciences void of offence, and unspotted fromthe world.Thus Taught and Thus Acting, they will convince mankind of the value ofthe Institution, achieving happiness in so doing.21
Charge to the Wardens**The Wardens are asked to please rise.I WILL NOW GIVE THE WARDENS THEIR CHARGEBrothers Senior and Junior Wardens, you are too well acquainted withthe principles of Masonry, to warrant any distrust that you will be foundwanting in the discharge of your respective duties. Suffice it to say, thatwhat you have seen praise‐worthy in others, you should carefully imitate;and what in them may have appeared defective, you should in your‐selves amend. You should be examples of good order and regularity; for itis only by due regard to the laws, in your own conduct, that you canexpect obedience to them from others. You are assiduously to assist theMaster in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and impartingknowledge to all whom he shall place under your care. In the absence ofthe Master, you will succeed to higher duties; your acquirements must,therefore, be such, that the Craft may never suffer for want of properinstruction. From the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertainno doubt that your future conduct will be such as to merit the applauseof your brethren and the testimony of a good conscience.22
Charge to the Brethren of the LodgeThese three raps are meant for ALL Members of this lodge.***FINALLY, I CHARGE THE BRETHREN OF THIS LODGE AS FOLLOWS:Such is the nature of our Constitution that as some must, of necessity,rule and teach, so others must submit and obey. Humility, in both, is anessential duty. The officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge aresufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety, and the laws of theinstitution, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are entrusted;and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I,therefore, trust that you will have but one aim, to please each other, andunite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfectedin so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may itlong continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight whichdisinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affectiondistinguish your conduct, as men and as Masons. Within your peacefulwalls, may your children's children celebrate with joy and gratitude theannual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets ofour profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired,from generation to generation.23
The ProclamationBrother Marshal, you will make the proclamation. ‐‐‐Marshal‐‐ In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freeand Accepted Masons of Kansas, I proclaim the officers ofLodge No. duly installed.24
BenedictionPlease rise for the benediction.The Chaplain will pronounce the Benediction. ‐‐‐Chaplain ‐‐ GRAND ARCHITECT of the UNIVERSE, vouchsafe Thine aid tothese solemn rites, and grant that these brethren who are now numberedamong the rulers of the Craft, may be endowed with wisdom tocomprehend, judgment to define, and firmness to enforce obedience to Thylaw.Sanctify them with Thy grace. Strengthen them with Thy power, and enrichtheir minds with genuine knowledge, that they may be better enabled toenlighten the brethren, and, FINALLY, we ask that you consecrate ourmeetings to the honor and glory of Thy most holy name.AMEN.All respond—So mote it be.The Installing Office presents gavel to the Master and is seated.At this time, the newly installed Master may make a few remarks of thanksbefore dismissing the congregation (if in an open installation), or resumingthe business of the Lodge.END25
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 auth
