Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/203

158 SECTION III.

INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A GRAND LODGE.



HE chair being taken by the Grand Master of the preceding year, or, in his absence, by some other Past Grand or Past Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Lodge is opened in the first degree of Masonry, so that all the craft may be permitted to be present. The other chairs are filled by the officers who, having served their time, are about to retire from office.

The Grand Secretary then reads from the records of the Grand Lodge the names of the officers who have been elected to serve for the ensuing year. The Grand Master elect, preceded by the Grand Marshal, is then conducted by two Senior Deacons to the front of the pedestal, and the Grand Marshal says to the presiding Grand officer:

Most Worshipful Sir, you here see present at the pedestal, Brother A. B., who, having been duly elected to preside over the craft as their Grand Master, now declares himself ready for installation.

The presiding Grand officer then rises and says:

Brethren, you here behold before the pedestal, Brother A. B., who, having been duly elected to preside over the craft as their Grand Master, how declares himself ready for installation. If any of you know of any reason why he should not be installed, you will state your objections now, or else forever hereafter hold your peace.