Page:Ritual of the Order eastern star (1921).djvu/25



When ready for the opening exercises, the Officers, with the exception of the Worthy Patron and Associate Conductress, retire to the ante-room. The Associate Conductress assumes her chair and the Worthy Patron, ascending the dais, gives one blow with the gavel. After requesting all present who are not members of the Order to retire, he says:

Officers rise and respond, whenever addressed, and remain standing until seated by an order from the East.

W. P. You will invite the Worthy Matron and other Officers to enter the Chapter room.

The Associate Conductress retires and returns with the officers. As they enter, the Chapter is called up, and music furnished. The officers enter in two files led by the Conductress and Associate Conductress and take positions as follows