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"It now but remains for me to clothe you with the The very consciousness of the possession of a great
external insignia of your rank and authority. power, will ever make a generous mind cautious and
gentle in its exercise. To rule has been the lot of many,
I now with great pleasure invest you with this jewel and requires neither strength of intellect or soundness
of your offi ce, whose symbolic meaning will now of judgment. To rule well has been the fortune of
have a new and striking signifi cance to you. but few, and may well be the object of an honorable
ambition. It is not by the strong arm, or the iron will,
I also present you with this gavel, as the potent that obedience and order the chief requisites of good
emblem of Masonic power, which in your hands, government are secured, but by holding the key to the
should never be sounded in vain. hearts of men.

I now surrender to you this seat of authority. And The offi ce of Master is of great antiquity and respect,
render you this, fi rst act of homage due to you as and is one of the highest dignities to which we may
Grand Master." aspire. Its incumbent, to rule well, should possess and
----- practice several important requisites.

Installation Ceremony and Oath of the As a Man, he should be of approved integrity and
Worshipful Master of Montana Lodges irreproachable morals, freed from the dominion of
hasty temper and ill-governed passions: of good
The following can be found in the Montana Masonic repute in the world, and practicing as an example
Manual, Section Three, 3.3.b.2. to his brethren, the cardinal virtues of Temperance,
Fortitude, Prudence and Justice.
The fi nal comparison we will examin will be the
Montana Installation ceremony for the Worshipful As a Citizen he should be loyal to his government,
Master of a Lodge. It is the privilege and duty of the obedient to its laws, prompt in the duties he owes
outgoing Master of the Lodge to install his successor to society, and a pattern of fi delity in all social and
and other offi cers, but he may request any Past Master domestic relations.
to perform the ceremony for him.
As a Mason, he should cling to the old landmarks, and
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother-----, you will be sternly opposed to their infringement; be desirous
now repeat after me, your offi cial obligation; to learn, and apt to teach; be prompt to aid and relieve;
and be ever mindful that, though elevated for a time
The Oath above his fellows, he is elevated by them; and should
I ______solemnly promise, upon the honor of a there-tore cultivate everywhere and at all times, the
Mason, that in the offi ce of Master of______Lodge golden tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
No. ___, I will, to the best of my ability, strictly
comply with the Constitution and regulations of the As an Offi cer, he should remember fi rst of all, that
Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of he is an individual Mason, sharing in chat respect a
Montana; the By-laws of ______-Lodge No. __- and common lot with his brethren and therefore interested
all other ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same in the welfare of each and all. Be devoid of undue
shall come to my knowledge. Amen. ostentation and haughty overbearing. Be accessible
to all, cultivating die closest friendship and the most
The Marshal, present the Master elect to the East. unlimited confi dence with his associate offi cers. Be
eager to take council with his brethren and ready to give
INSTALLING OFFICER: My Brother, in in-ducting it. Be ready to reward good. Be devoid of favoritism
you into your chair of offi ce, as a symbol of the and wholly impartial.
commencement (continuation) of your government of
this Lodge, I am performing a most pleasing duty. By Such are some of the most important qualifi cations
immemorial usage, and the irrevocable landmarks of which a Master should possess and the errors he
Masonry, you are installed as Master of this Lodge with should avoid. It may be that most, if not all of us have
powers and prerogatives which are of high importance failed to reach this standard; but it is attainable and be
and due solemnity. The good resolutions, which I it your purpose to reach it, and be a bright and shining
doubt not, you have formed in your own mind, that example to those who shall come after you.
these powers shall not be abused or perverted by you,
I would gladly strengthen by a word of admonition. My Brother, previous to your investiture, it is
necessary that you should signify your assent to those
Volume 94 Number 8 Montana Freemason Page 19