Installation Ceremonies for Masonic Officers

Chapter 1

Innovation in the work is not allowed. Masonry is no Mason's private property and by the same token no Mason should impose his private notions upon anything pertaining to the adopted work.

This Instruction will no doubt make our Installation Ceremonies more impressive and uniform if correctly followed

INSTALLATION CEREMONIES

WM - Brethren, this lodge is convened for the purpose of installing the elected and appointed officers for the ensuing Masonic year.

WM - Before this Lodge is called from labor to refreshment, the officers to be installed will retire and prepare themselves for the ceremony of installation. The present officers will also retire, after surrendering their jewels to the Assistant Master of Ceremonies, in the North-East corner of the pavement, then give their aprons to their successors at the ante room.

WM - We have invited "requested" if member, MW/RW/VW/WB to be our Installing Officer, MW/RW/VW/WB as Master of Ceremonies, and MW/RW/VW/WB as Assistant Master of Ceremonies, who are all authorized by the Grand Lodge.

WM - (Rises, raps - three times) (turn over gavel to I.O.) Receive this gavel, symbol of authority and with it proceed to install the new set of officers. (Outgoing Master removes and leaves hat, I.O. puts on hat)

I.O. - (Raps - one time to seat the lodge.)

(All outgoing officers step down from their stations starting from the Senior Warden to the Tyler and proceed to line up at the north side of the lodge facing east. They form one line in front of AMC, facing East. Upon AMC's cue, form two lines, still facing East. Upon AMC's cue, face inward.

The Worshipful Master will step down last, pass between the two lines of officers. As the Master passes in front of officer, officer will bow.

The Master will be the first one to surrender his jewel to the Assistant Master of Ceremonies at the North-East Corner of the pavement.

Immediately after the Master has surrendered his jewel to AMC, the officers will face East, form one line, and surrender their jewel one by one followed by the rest of the officers.

The Worshipful Master will then proceed to South-West corner of the pavement by way of the east, bow or signs to the I.O., then upon reaching the South-West corner face the East.

Other outgoing officers will also follow after the Master has surrendered his jewel. Other outgoing officers will proceed to south-west corner of the pavement, by way of the east, bow or sign to I.O., then proceeds to the South-West corner, shakes the hand of the Outgoing Master, and exit the Lodge. After the last outgoing officer shakes the hand of the Master and exits, outgoing Master then exits the lodge.

I.O. - The brethren may consider themselves free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East. (Raps - one time)

(The Master of Ceremonies proceeds to the JW Station to put up the column, while the Assistant Master of Ceremonies proceeds to the SW Station to put down the column.)

(After procession is formed, The Master of Ceremonies together with the Assistant Master of Ceremonies enters the Lodge. The Assistant Master of Ceremonies proceeds to the SW station facing East, while the Master of Ceremonies proceeds to the JW Station facing North.)

I.O. - (Raps - one time)

(The Master of Ceremonies puts down the JW Column, while the Assistant Master of Ceremonies puts up the SW Column. The Master of Ceremonies proceeds west side of the altar facing East. The Assistant Master of Ceremonies proceed to the North-East of the lodge facing South. Remain standing)

I.O. - MW/RW/ VW/WB M.C., are the officers of this lodge, lately chosen, present and ready to be installed in their respective offices?

M.C. - (Sign or bow.) They are without, MW/RW/VW/WB Installing Officer, and await your pleasure.

I.O. - You will then conduct them to the seats prepared for them.

(MUSIC)

(M.C. sign or bow and retire by way of the south. Enters with officers in the order as formed and proceed to the seats in the manner as stated in the instruction given in this book I.O. seats them.

M.C - (Goes to Altar, sign or bow.) MW/ RW/ VW / WB Installing Officer, the officers of this Lodge, lately chosen, are present and ready to be installed in their respective offices.

I.O - (Rises) Brethren, the first lesson taught us in Freemasonry is that before entering upon any great or important undertaking we should first invoke the blessings of God (Removes Hat). MW/RW/VW/WB M.C., you will, therefore, cause the officers to kneel on their right knees and lead us in prayer.

(Raps - three times)

M.C - (Kneeling at the West side of Altar.)