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The Installing Grand Master directs the Grand which the power and prerogative may depart with the
Master-elect to repeat his offi cial obligation. expiration of your term of service, but the honor and
dignity, except by your own act, never. And as we
The Oath are now upon the threshold of a great and important
"I ______, solemnly promise, in the presence of undertaking, Masonic teachings require that we should
Almighty God and of this Grand Lodge of Ancient bow in solemn prayer with our Right Worshipful Grand
Free and Accepted Masons of Montana, that I will, Chaplain."
to the best of my ability, faithfully and impartially,
perform all of the duties incumbent upon my offi ce; The Installing Grand Master continues with the
that I will conform to the constitution, laws, rules, Installation: "Most Worshipful Brother, I congratulate
and regulations of this Grand Lodge; and that I will you on the honor of being elected to the high station
enforce a strict obedience to the same, from all subject which you are about to occupy. As Grand Master of
to my authority. All this I do promise, God being my Masons you will be invested, for the time being, with
help." powers and prerogatives well-nigh absolute. But the
very consciousness of the possession of a great power
The Installing Grand Master instructs the Grand will be ever make a generous mind cautious and gentle
Marshal to conduct our Brother to the east and in its exercise. To rule well has been the fortune of
continues with the installation: but few, and may well be the object of an honorable
ambition. It is not by the strong arm or iron will that
The Insalling Grand Master coninues with: "I now, obedience and order, the chief requisites of good
Most "Worshipful Brother, have the honor to invest government, are secured, but by holding the key to the
you with the jewel of your offi ce. I also present you hearts of men. As a man, the Grand Master should be
with the gavel, the emblem of your Masonic authority, of approved integrity and irreproachable morals, freed
and welcome you to the East of the Grand Lodge of from the dominion of hasty temper and ill-governed
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Montana, and passions; of good repute in the world, and practicing,
ask the privilege of being the fi rst to assure you of my/ as an example to the to the craft, the cardinal virtues
fealty and obedience." Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice.

"I now hail, salute and proclaim you Grand Master He should be loyal to his Government, and a pattern
of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Montana. of fi delity in all social and domestic relations. He
Brethren of Montana, behold your Grand Master. should be familiar with the landmarks, and insist upon
Most Worshipful Grand Master, behold your Brethren. an adherence to them. He should be well versed in the
Brethren, join in giving Grand Honors." laws, language and literature of the fraternity. He should
be ever mindful, that though elevated for a time above
------ his fellows, that he is elevated by them, and that he is
yet a craftsman, more sacredly bound by a craftsman’s
Installation Ceremony and Oath of the obligation: he should cultivate everywhere, and at
Grand Master of Wisconsin all times, the golden tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief
and Truth; he should be devoid of undue ostentation
By comparison the Installation Ceremony and Oath and haughty over-bearing; patient in investigation,
of the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin deliberate in judgement, prompt in execution, having
is similar but diff erent. an eagle eye upon every portion of his jurisdiction, and
resisting every eff ort at innovation.
The Oath
“I promise upon the honor of a Mason, that I will, to Such are some of the qualifi cations which a Grand
the best of my ability, conform and abide by the ancient Master should possess. It may be that most, if not all,
landmarks, regulations and usages of Masonry, the of your predecessors have failed to reach this standard;
Constitution and edicts of this Grand Lodge, and but it is attainable, and be it in your purpose to reach it,
faithfully perform the duties of the Offi ce to which I and be a bright and shining example to those who shall
have been selected.” come after you."

The Installing Grand Master reciets the following: "It gives me very great pleasure to induct you to your
"My brother, the exalted station to which the free chair of offi ce. With confi dence in both your ability and
choice of your brethren has called you, involves great purpose faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in you,
responsibilities, and requires to be inaugurated by I now invest you with this jewel of your offi ce. May
solemn sanctions. It elevates you to a position from the Father of Light, of Life and Love give you wisdom
Volume 94 Number 8 Montana Freemason Page 17