Ceremony of District-wide Installation for Chapters of Royal Arch Masons CH 12 Revised 20130604 Participants Installing Officers: One officer for each chapter office (17 in total. Can be comprised of Grand Officers, District Deputies, District Officers, Past High Priests, etc.) Elected and appointed officers for installation from each chapter in the district Attendant to remove chairs in the West as officers are installed Optional: Color Guard to present the U.S. Flag Paraphernalia Officer s aprons Officer s jewels Royal Arch Mason aprons (for officers and all members in attendance) Small table placed near the Altar to place Royal Arch Mason aprons (as the Installing Marshal removes them from the officers) Lectern for the Installing Officer in the East (placed on the floor below the dais) Preparations and Setup All officers wear the apron of their office, over which is placed a Royal Arch Mason apron, tied in the back, which the Installing Marshal will remove at the proper time and place on the small table near the Altar. All officers carry the jewel of their office in their hand, which will be placed on them at the proper time by the Installing Marshal. Opening of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons The High Priest of the host chapter opens the chapter in the Royal Arch Mason Degree. (If an Open Installation at a Special Convocation, it can be informally declared open for the purpose of an Open Installation) After any preceding business, remarks, etc., he then, if an open installation and formally opened, calls the chapter to Refreshment. The High Priest reminds the companions not to give Due Guard and Sign while non-members are present. Guests are invited into the chapter room. Installing officers are introduced. Chapter officers relinquish their stations and places to the Installing officers. (The installing team may be formally introduced at the Altar before assuming their stations.) The chapter High Priest takes a seat on the sidelines. Adjust the verbiage to the circumstances of either a closed or an open ceremony and to use the appropriate titles of the various installing officers. (By default, it is assumed the installing team is comprised of the Grand Officers and therefore this ceremony uses those titles.) Grand High Priest: ( ) The Ceremony of Installation will now begin. (Wait for everyone to come to order) On behalf of the officers and members, I welcome you to this special evening for the installation of the officers of the Capitular District.
District Ceremony of Installation Page 2 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Optional if an Open Installation: Give a brief explanation of Masonic customs, use of gavel, terminology, etc. from a separately prepared education talk. Grand High Priest: ( ) All Rise. (Done) Companions and guests, before entering upon any important undertaking it is proper to invoke the blessing of Almighty God. Therefore, give your reverent attention to the Grand Chaplain. Grand Chaplain: Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great High Priest of Heaven and Earth: We approach you with reverence and implore your blessing on these companions who are prepared for induction into their positions of trust and responsibility. May your veneration fill their hearts and with their words and actions pronounce your glory. Bless especially the companions who are to assume the mitre and breastplate of their chapter. Bless them, O Lord and bless the work of their hands. Bless these officers and bless us, their companions. Amen. Response: So mote it be. Grand High Priest: Join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of our country. (Done. Optionally, a Color Guard may present the flag.) Grand High Priest: ( ) All except Officers-Elect please be seated. (Done) The following paragraph is for ceremonial purposes only. Any objections must be done in a tiled convocation. Grand High Priest: Companions of the Capitular District, you behold the officers who have been selected to serve your various chapters during the ensuing year. If any of you know of any just reason why any of them should not be installed, let him now speak, or forever after hold his peace. (Pause) I am happy to observe that you still approve your selections and I will now proceed to install them. OBLIGATION Grand High Priest: (Goes to the Altar) All Officers-Elect will place your right hand over your heart. (Done) Grand High Priest: Say I, pronounce your name in full and repeat after me (Done): do hereby promise that I will to the best of my abilities faithfully perform all the duties appertaining to the office to which I have been selected; and will maintain and support the Constitution, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, the Bylaws and Standing Resolutions of my chapter and the ancient usages and landmarks of the Order. Installing Officer returns to the lectern. All officers drop their hands. The Installing Officer gives ( ) and all officers sit. When their office is called, each officer rises and forms a line on the West side of the Altar, assisted by the Installing Marshal.
District Ceremony of Installation Page 3 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons CHARGE TO THE HIGH PRIEST Grand High Priest: Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the High Priests- Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Most Excellent Grand High Priest, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as High Priest for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand High Priest: Companions, it is my privilege and pleasure on this occasion to install you into the office of High Priest of your chapter, an office highly honorable to all those who diligently perform the important duties attached to it. However, before I can proceed further, I must demand your unequivocal assent to certain propositions that I shall now propound relative to the duties of your office: 1. That you will maintain and support the Constitution, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio and the Bylaws and Standing Resolutions of your chapter; and that you will pay due respect and obedience to the officers of the Grand Chapter, resigning to them your chair on all proper occasions. 2. That you will never permit your chapter to open unless there are present ten regular Royal Arch Masons, nor will you permit degrees conferred therein other than according to the rituals of the Order. 3. That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse with any chapter not recognized by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, nor will you admit as visitor any companion who has not received the Capitular degrees in a just and lawful manner unless first formally healed. 4. That you will always endeavor to correct the vices, purify the morals and promote the happiness of your companions; and that you will not exalt to the Most Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Mason anyone who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition and proper proficiency in the preceding degrees. Do you submit to all these things and do you solemnly promise to observe and practice them and to bind your successor in office to observe them, faithfully? High Priests-Elect: I do. Grand High Priest: Having cheerfully acquiesced in these charges, the Grand Marshal will now invest you with the jewel and apron of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed and placed upon the small table at the Altar.) I now call your attention to the duties and prerogatives of your office. You will find them in the Book of Constitutions, the Capitular Code and the Bylaws and Standing Resolutions of your chapter, which I entrust to your care and which you must diligently study and impartially administer.
District Ceremony of Installation Page 4 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons As High Priest of your chapter, you will preside at all its Stated Convocations and call such Special Convocations as you deem proper. You will direct the transaction of its business and the conferring of the degrees of this Rite. You will determine the order of business and supervise and direct the work of your subordinate officers. You will decide questions of Masonic Law and be responsible to the Grand High Priest and the Grand Chapter for the proper conduct of the affairs of the chapter. With the King and Scribe, it is your privilege and duty to attend the meetings of the Grand Chapter. While your decisions are final and not discussed without your consent, you will ever bear in mind that you should always exhibit a decent respect for the feelings and opinions of your companions in all proper cases. The mitre, breastplate and the various colors of the robes that you will wear should impress deeply upon your mind and heart a sense of your dependence upon the Most High God, your greater responsibility to this institution and its members and the virtues that should adorn and beautify the mind of him who is thus honored by his companions. Your station is in the Sanctuary, in the center of the Grand Council. Grand High Priest: ( ) (To the audience) All companions rise. (Done. To the High Priests, holding up the gavel:) I now present you with your working tool, the gavel, your emblem of authority and admonish you to use it wisely and justly, never in the cause of injustice or oppression. Excellent High Priests, behold your companions. Companions, behold your High Priests. (Applause. Installing Officer approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats. Installing Officer returns to lectern and gives rap ( ) to seat everyone and then he takes his seat in the center of the Sanctuary.) CHARGE TO THE KING Grand King: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Kings-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand King, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as King for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand King: Companions, the important station to which you are elected requires exemplary conduct and demands your most diligent attention. You are to support the High Priest in the requirements of his office and in the case of his absence, to succeed him in the performance of his duties. The jewel of your office, the level surmounted by a crown, reminds you that although exalted by office above your companions, yet you remain upon a level with them. The great lesson of your office is humility. Though a king, yet you are subordinate to the High Priest, the representative of the Most High God, your duty to whom is paramount to all others and should ever claim your obedience.
District Ceremony of Installation Page 5 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Your station is in the Grand Council at the right of the Excellent High Priest. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing King approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE SCRIBE Grand Scribe: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Scribes-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Scribe, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as Scribe for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Scribe: Companions, in the absence of your superior officers you are bound to succeed them and to perform their duties. The jewel of your office, the plumb rule surmounted by the turban, is an emblem of rectitude and vigilance. It reminds you that you stand as a watchman on the tower to guard your companions against intemperance and excess; and to admonish them to fidelity and industry while at labor and to temperance and moderation at refreshment. Your station is in the Grand Council at the left of the Excellent High Priest. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing Scribe approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE TREASURER AND SECRETARY Grand Secretary/Treasurer: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Treasurers-Elect and Secretaries-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Installing Marshal: Most Excellent Companion Grand Secretary/Treasurer, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as Treasurer and Secretary for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Secretary/Treasurer: Companions, entrusted to you is the duty of keeping accurate records of the business and transactions of the chapter. Accuracy and fidelity; good judgement and tact; and a deep and abiding respect for the institution of which you are so important a part are the qualities that have recommended you to your companions. I charge you therefore ever to be loyal and faithful in the discharge of your duties. Your stations are on either side of the Grand Council. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing Secretary/Treasurer approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.)
District Ceremony of Installation Page 6 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN OF THE HOST Grand Captain of the Host: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Captains of the Host-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Captain of the Host, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as Captain of the Host for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Captain of the Host: Companions, your office corresponds to that of Marshal or Master of Ceremonies. As such, the preservation of our ancient customs, usages and landmarks is within your province. It is therefore indispensably necessary that the part assigned to you in our rites and ceremonies are perfectly understood and correctly administered. Your station is at the right and in front of the Grand Council. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing Captain of the Host approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER Grand Principal Sojourner: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Principal Sojourners-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Principal Sojourner, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as Principal Sojourner for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Principal Sojourner: Companions, your office corresponds to that of Senior Deacon. Your duties are to prepare and introduce candidates. As first impressions are often the most durable, it is essential that the officer who brings the blind by a way they know not and leads them in paths they have not known, should always be well qualified to make darkness light before them and crooked things straight. Your jewel and robe of office teach you humility and that perseverance in the face of impediments, hardships and trials will insure a glorious reward at the termination of your labors. Your station is at the left and in front of the Grand Council. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing Principal Sojourner approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN Grand Royal Arch Captain: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Royal Arch Captains-Elect at the Altar. (Done)
District Ceremony of Installation Page 7 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Royal Arch Captain, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Royal Arch Captain for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Royal Arch Captain: Companions, your office corresponds to that of Junior Deacon. With the Captain of the Host you will examine visitors and see that none enter our chapter but such as have traveled the rugged path of trial and proven their title to our favor. The white banner, with which you are entrusted, is emblematical of that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct, which should actuate all those who pass the final Veil of the Sanctuary by means of the Signet of Truth. removed. Installing Royal Arch Captain approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE THIRD VEIL Grand Master of the Third Veil: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Masters of the Third Veil-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Master of the Third Veil, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Master of the Third Veil for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Master of the Third Veil: Companions, your duties are to see that none pass the veils of the Sanctuary but those who are qualified. The color of your veil and banner is scarlet, emblematic of fervency and zeal. It is the appropriate color of the Royal Arch Mason degree. It teaches us that we should be fervent in the exercise of our devotion to God and zealous in our endeavors to promote the happiness of man. removed. Installing Master of the Third Veil approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE SECOND VEIL Grand Master of the Second Veil: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Masters of the Second Veil-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Master of the Second Veil, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Master of the Second Veil for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Master of the Second Veil: Companions, the color of your veil and banner is produced by a due admixture of blue and scarlet; the former of which is the characteristic color
District Ceremony of Installation Page 8 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the symbolic, or first three degrees of Masonry and the latter, that of the Royal Arch Mason degree. It is an emblem of union and the characteristic color of the intermediate degrees. It admonishes us to cultivate and improve the spirit of union and harmony between the brethren of the symbolic degrees and the companions of the sublime degrees, which should ever distinguish the members of the society founded upon the principles of everlasting truth and universal philanthropy. removed. Installing Master of the Second Veil approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE FIRST VEIL Grand Master of the First Veil: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Masters of the First Veil-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Master of the First Veil, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Master of the First Veil for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Master of the First Veil: Companions, the color of your veil and banner is blue, one of the most durable and beautiful in nature. It is the appropriate color adopted and worn by our ancient brethren of the three symbolic degrees and is the peculiar characteristic of an institution that has stood the test of ages and which is as much distinguished by the durability of its materials, or principles, as by the beauty of its superstructure. It is an emblem of universal friendship and benevolence and instructs us that in the mind of the Mason, those virtues should be as expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself. removed. Installing Master of the First Veil approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE GUARD Grand Guard: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Guards-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Guard, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been elected to serve their respective chapters as Guard for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Guard: Companions, it is your duty to see that none enter the chapter but those who are qualified and have permission. You are the first to greet members and visitors and the last to wish them farewell. May the conduct of your office be such as to leave in the mind of
District Ceremony of Installation Page 9 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons every Royal Arch Mason visiting this chapter, the most pleasant recollection of the convocations. removed. Installing Guard approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE STEWARDS Installing Steward: Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Stewards- Elect at the Altar. Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Installing Steward, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Steward for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Installing Steward: Companions, your duties are to assist in the ritualistic ceremonies, lead the way in all processions and to accommodate the members and visitors while at refreshment. Let your service be such as to commend you to your companions. removed. Installing Steward approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN Grand Chaplain: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Chaplains-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Grand Chaplain, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Chaplain for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Grand Chaplain: Companions, I now have the honor to invest you with our highest symbol (Motioning/pointing at the Holy Bible on the Altar), the Holy Bible, the jewel of your office. The principles and precepts of Freemasonry are in accordance with the teachings of that Great Light. Though Masonry does not pretend to be a religious institution, yet from its laws and teachings it should be an auxiliary to whatever is good and great a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night pointing the right way. Your station has no bounds, no limits and no restrictions. It will encompass each of us everywhere. You will now be invested with the jewel of your office. (Done. Royal Arch Mason aprons are removed. Installing Chaplain approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.)
District Ceremony of Installation Page 10 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons CHARGE TO THE CHAPTER EDUCATION OFFICER Installing Chapter Education Officer: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Chapter Education Officers-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Installing Education Officer, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Chapter Education Officer for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Installing Chapter Education Officer: Companions, it is your duty to disperse light and knowledge to the companions and candidates of the chapter to help them apply the lessons of Masonry to their daily lives. I now present for your consideration the Grand Chapter Education Program. The Grand Chapter provides many sources of educational information, but the Holy Writings will prove greatest of all. The emblem of your office, the lamp of knowledge, symbolizes light in Masonry, which is in your power to bring to the companions and candidates. With enthusiasm and dedication you can successfully meet this responsibility. removed. Installing Chapter Education Officer approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.) CHARGE TO THE TRUSTEE Installing Trustee: (Rises, goes to the lectern) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, present the Trustees-Elect at the Altar. (Done) Grand Marshal: Right Excellent Companion Installing Trustee, I have the pleasure to present those companions who have been selected to serve their respective chapters as Trustee for the ensuing year and now declare themselves ready for installation. Installing Trustee: Companions, your reputation as a wise, discreet and prudent Freemason has designated you for this post of high trust. Your duties are prescribed in the Bylaws and Standing Resolutions of your chapter, the primary responsibility being that of the proper care and protection of the property of the chapter. The scope of your jurisdiction will be extensive. I admonish you to exercise your powers with good judgement, remembering that as the chapter grants them, so they are subject to and can never exceed those of the chapter. You will now be seated with your companions. (Installing Trustee approaches the companions and offers his congratulations, after which they return to their seats and sit.)
District Ceremony of Installation Page 11 of 11 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons CHARGE TO THE CHAPTER Grand High Priest: (Rises, goes to the lectern) My companions, may your chapter become beautiful as the temple, peaceful as the ark and sacred as its most holy place. May your oblations of piety and praise be grateful as the incense, your love warm as its flame and your charity diffusive as its fragrance. May your hearts be pure as the altar and your conduct acceptable as the offering. May the exercise of your charity be as constant as the returning wants of the distressed widow and helpless orphan. May the approbation of Heaven be your encouragement and the testimony of a good conscience your support. May you be endowed with every good and perfect gift while traveling the rugged path of life and finally be admitted within the veil of Heaven to the full enjoyment of life eternal. So mote it be. Amen. PROCLAMATION Grand High Priest: ( ) All companions rise. (Done) Right Excellent Companion Grand Marshal, make proclamation. Grand Marshal: (Goes to Altar. Right hand on Bible, left arm raised at a right angle.) In the name of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, I do hereby proclaim the officers of the Capitular District here assembled duly installed into their respective offices. (Sits) Grand High Priest: ( ) Please be seated. (Done) This concludes the Ceremony of Installation. The Installing Officer and any others in charge then conducts the remaining business, such as introductions, remarks, presentations, etc. When ready to close, if this is a special meeting opened informally, the meeting may be informally declared closed. If it was formally opened in the Royal Arch Mason degree and non-members are present, the non-members should be excused. The chapter should then be called back to Labor and then proceed to close.