Installation Meeting – Guidance Notes for Officers
These are general stage directions and references to WM are not to imply that the same man does it all. Different people can agree when they take over.
Because of the Ruler and his procession set up the lodge so that pedestal is in front of WM and the pillars are moved to about 5 feet in front of SW pedestal far enough apart for people to walk through the gap.
When Prov DC moves the Prov Wardens out our deacons move the pedestal back to the centre but the pillars can stay where they are.
In the first
WM thanks his officers and asks they remove collars.
WM puts people into SW JW IG and asks DC and Chaplain to remain in office.
Open in second.
In the Second
Presenting Master collects ME and standing between the pillars does the presentation and leaves the ME where he is.
WM moves the gavel towards the IPM.
WM walks to the pedestal and starts the “from time immemorial“ bit.
As ME an installed Master he merely affirms the regulations and is then told to advance to the pedestal and kneel.
IPM gavels once at the right place.
ME gives his obligation.
DC puts chair half way between pedestal and WM chair.
WM gets ME to rise and walks him to chair.
In the Third
Open as usual.
Ask MMs to retire.
WM gives the declaration from his Chair.
Entrustment.
ME leaves.
Replace chair.
Inner Workings
After opening WM moves the gavel towards the IPM.
WM walks to pedestal.
ME returns and is proved.
DC takes ME through pillars half way to pedestal...... no need for any chair to be placed.
WM tells us to assume attitude of prayer and IPM knocks once.
WM tells ME to advance to pedestal kneel etc and IPM knocks once.
WM raises ME and walks him towards the WM chair and does the address in the usual place.
If the IM is not the WM then it should be the WM who places the collar on the ME and says “I now invest you with the collar and jewel of your office and would remind you that it is the highest honour the lodge can confer on any of its members”.
After the proclamation from the centre and before the closing someone has to present the WTs of an installed master.
After the closing the new officers collect their respective collars and sit in line beyond the secretary. This includes the wardens who place their gavels and pillars under their chairs.
They all stand and form a line to do the salutations in each degree.
After address to WM the wardens stand ready with their kit and give it all to the DC who takes them to WM for investiture.
After address to wardens all other officers invited to stand and form lines with their collars and WM leaves chair to invest them on the floor.
WM then invests the Tyler.
Before the Risings deacons told to move the pedestal towards WM chair so the Ruler can leave.