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d The Book of Constitutions, you are to search it at all Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high
times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge that none may importance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them
pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins. never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of
the Lodge those duties which they have been taught in
You now receive in charge the Charter, by the it, and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to
authority of which, this Lodge is held. As its lawful convince mankind of the goodness of the institution;
custodian, you are carefully to preserve, and duly so that when a person is said to be a member of it, the
r transmit it to your successor in offi ce. world may know that tie is one to whom the burdened
heart may pour out its sorrow; to whom distress may
You will also receive in charge the By-laws of your prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and
Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually whose heart is expanded by benevolence. In short, by
executed. a diligent observance of the By-laws of your Lodge,
the Constitutions of Masonry, and above all, the Holy
r I place in your hands this Gavel, an additional insignia Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to your
of your rank and authority. Wield it my brother, with faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor
prudence and discretion.
d and reputation.
I now seat you in the Oriental Chair, and cover you
Worshipful Master (who rises): This Worshipful
with that distinction which, in this Lodge, it is alone Lodge having chosen you for its Master and
t your privilege to wear. (Installing Offi cer takes Master Representative, it is now incumbent upon you
by the hand, places him in the chair, and places a hat diligently, and upon every proper occasion, to inquire
upon his head.)
into the knowledge of your fellows, and fi nd them
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Uncovers; unless he is daily employment, that the Art which they profess
the Grand Master or his offi cial represent-ative.) * * may not be forgotten or neglected. You must avoid
* (All rise.) partiality giving praise where it is due and employing
d those in the most honorable part of the 'work who have
INSTALLING OFFICER: Worshipful Master, behold made the greatest advancement, for the encouragement
your brethren. Brethren, behold your Worshipful of the Art. You must preserve union, and judge in all
Master. (Grand Honors are now given the newly oases amicably and mildly, preferring peace. That the
installed Worshipful Master. If the ceremony is tyled, society may prosper, you must preserve the dignity
to Masons only, Private Grand Honors will be given. of your offi ce, requiring submission from the perverse
t If the ceremony is open to the public, Public Grand and refractory; always acting upon, and being guided
Honors will be given. The newly installed WM will by, the principles upon which your authority is
stand with his gavel in his- right hand over his breast.) founded. You must, to the extent of your power, pay
a constant attendance on your Lodge, that you may see
TO THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER how your work fl ourishes, and how your instructions
are obeyed. You must take care that neither your
f Worshipful Master (who rises), to you is committed words nor actions shall render your authority to be less
t the superintendence and government of the brethren regarded, but 'that your prudent and careful behavior
d who compose this Lodge. You can not be insensible may set an example, and give sanction to your power.
r of the obligations which devolve on you as their head; And as Brotherly Love is the cement of our Society,
nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge so cherish and encourage it, that the brethren may be
of the important duties annexed to your election (or more willing to obey the dictates of Masons than you
appointment). The honor, reputation and usefulness have occasion to command.
d of your Lodge will materially depend upon the skill
and assiduity with which you manage its concerns,
whilst the happiness of its members will be generally
promoted in proportion to the zeal and ability with
which you propagate the genuine principles of our
institution.

For a pattern for imitation, consider the great
luminary of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly
diff uses light and lustre to all within the circle. In like
manner, it is your province to spread and communicate
light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge.
Volume 94 Number 8 Montana Freemason Page 21