INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER

GRAND CHAPTER OF MINNESOTA

Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

PREFACE: From the dimmest dawn of history, man has marked events of importance with song, marching, incense and solemnity. When a king was crowned, all of this activity made an impression on the people and made it a talked about event. So it was when Hammarabl assumed the throne of Babylon; when Caesar held his "triumphs," and when Charlemagne became Holy Roman Emperor. Or, even within our biblical tradition, when Solomon became head of the Jewish nation. The installation of officers of a local chapter may be one of the most important events in the lives of the new officers. It, too, should be marked with glamour and display. As a wedding may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so is becoming the High Priest of a chapter a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It should be celebrated with the importance and display it deserves. It is one of the few means by which we may, openly, display Capitular Masonry to the world. The suggested ceremonies here outlined, are intended to provide dignified ostentation, a feeling of importance, and joy in the event. The more people that are invited to attend, the more successful it can be. SUGGESTIONS The Ceremony of installation may be preceded by a dinner, with the officers in formal attire or in dark business suits. If it is the pleasure of the High Priest elect, he may, of course, suggest that the officers' ladies "dress" for the occasion - formal or informal. The beauty of the event may be enhanced, further, by having each, officer Invested with a flower, by the lady of his choice, as he is installed. During the dinner, there may be introductions, as appropriate, and, possibly a short, light or humorous speech. Other introductions, speeches and entertainment should follow the installation. Should the chapter choose to eliminate the dinner entirely, refreshments should be provided for those present following the ceremony. PRELIMINARY Chairs should be provided for the officers-to-be-Installed. One for each officer EXCEPT THE HIGH PRIEST. These chairs may be placed west of the altar and arranged in a semi-circle or in a straight line, if more convenient. A table should be provided near the altar with the several jewels and swords arranged thereon for easy investiture of the officers. It is most convenient to have this table placed just to the north of the altar.
(Note: Only the "furniture" of the chapter is ever to be placed upon the altar itself - hence the table.)

The Charter of the Chapter is to be prominently displayed for all to see. The book containing the' Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Chapter, the By- Laws of the local' Chapter, the gavel of authority, and the hat or covering for the High Priest should be placed on or near the podium.
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

Each of the officers-to-be-installed should be properly "clothed" with the apron of the office in which each is to be installed. Before the ceremony of installation can begin, it is necessary that the chapter be "opened" by the present High Priest. This may be done in any adjacent room if necessary. If this opening is conducted in an adjacent room, the open bible must be transferred to the chapter altar for the installation ceremony. If this is to be an open Installation, the chapter must then suspend labor for the purpose of conducting the ceremony and the bible, with square and compass thereon, left open at the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes. The flag, of course, is also moved. OPTIONAL CEREMONIES
(Any, or all, of the following ceremonies may be added at the point indicated in the installation ritual:)

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY: (The candelabra from the M.E.M. may be used if none other is available). A group (perhaps the wife, children or other members of the incoming High Priest's family) may enter the room to solemn music, proceed to the candelabra, light the candles, and slowly march out. Placement of candelabra is optional but 'is more effective if placed in the east. BIBLE CEREMONY: Children, relatives, Job's Daughters, or others, may carry the opened bible, with solemn music, to the altar, placing it there, and slowly withdrawing from the room. Room lights are kept low during ceremony. FLAG CEREMONY: The flag of the United States is brought in (room lights at bright) by a color guard (If possible) of Knights Templar in full uniform, DeMolay boys in full regalia, or any other Masonic or civic group chosen. The flag is paraded to the east and halted before the installing Officer, who, then, says "Join me in the pledge to the flag of our country". The pledge concluded, the officer directs the color guard to post the flag in its place of honor. This accomplished, the color guard will march out. OFFICERS' CHAIRS: A companion, (possibly designated as the "Installing Grand Sentinel") may remove, singly, the chairs vacated by the officers to be installed, as each is conducted to the altar for installation. SPECIAL NOTE: The following ceremony is designed for use by a, Royal Arch Chapter in either an "open" or a "closed" (tiled) ceremony. All of the following may be used in either event, but if a shortened form is thought desirable for the "closed" initiation, all that which is printed in BLACK INK may be eliminated from the ritual. Those parts printed in RED INK should, in no case, be eliminated from any installation.

Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION
At the appointed time, the Installing Officer (who must be either a present or past High Priest of a chapter) will enter the room, followed by his assisting installing officers. He will proceed to the east and take a position at the podium with his assisting officers taking positions in front of the east and facing west. The Installing Officer will explain that, for the purpose of this ceremony, he represents the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Minnesota, and that his assisting officers also, for the time being, represent corresponding officers of the Grand Chapter. He introduces the assisting officers, and directs them to take their stations and places. Assisting officers should be, if possible and desirable, Past High Priests. They are the Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, and such others as may be desired. GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION GRAND SECRETARY, YOU WILL READ THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED AND APPOINTED TO SERVE THIS CHAPTER DURING THE ENSUING YEAR. GRAND SECRETARY: THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE THIS CHAPTER:
(He reads the names of the High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer and Secretary naming their respective offices).

THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS THE APPOINTIVE OFFICERS OF THIS CHAPTER.
(He reads their names and offices).

GRAND HIGH PRIEST : COMPANION GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST, YOU WILL RETIRE AND CONDUCT THE BEFORE NAMED COMPANIONS INTO THE ROOM. GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST
(Retires and conducts the officers to be installed into the room in order of rank and through the Sentinel's door. He leads them toward the north and behind the placed chairs, then toward the south in front of their chairs.)

(He leads the High Priest elect to the west of the altar, while the remaining officers continue to
their,chairs - the King elect at the extreme south of the line. All face to the east when in line and remain standing. He then says:

MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, I PRESENT FOR INSTALLATION, COMPANION WHO HAS BEEN ELECTED HIGH PRIEST OF THIS CHAPTER, AND HIS OTHER ELECTIVE AND APPOINTIVE OFFICERS. THEY DECLARE THEMSELVES READY FOR INSTALLATION, SKILLFUL IN THE ROYAL ART, AND ATTENTIVE TO THE MORAL PRECEPTS OF OUR FOREFATHERS.
(He then withdraws to the side)

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: THE AUDIENCE WILL PLEASE RISE.

(Note. The usual gavel knocks may be used if the installation is behind tiled doors. No gavel knocks may be used in an "open" installation at any time) 3

Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

(He approaches the altar from the East ,or gives the obligation from the podium, if necessary. He addresses the officers as follows:)

MY COMPANIONS, BEFORE INVESTING YOU WITH THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN ELECTED OR APPOINTED, IT BECOMES MY DUTY TO ADMINISTER TO YOU THE OBLIGATION OF YOUR OFFICE. YOU WILL PLACE YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART, SAY "I", PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME IN FULL, AND REPEAT AFTER ME: OBLIGATION I, / ___________________ , DO SOLEMNLY PROMISE AND SWEAR,/ THAT I WILL SERVE THIS CHAPTER/ IN THE OFFICE FOR WHICH I HAVE BEEN SELECTED; /THAT I WILL PERFORM ALL THE DUTIES /APPERTAINING TO THAT OFFICE /TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES, /AND WILL SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN /THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS /OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MINNESOTA/, THOSE OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL, /AND THE BY-LAWS OF THIS CHAPTER./ SO HELP ME GOD. YOU MAY RELEASE YOUR HANDS.
(If the Grand High Priest is at the altar he returns to the east, where he says:)

LET US PRAY. HIGH PRIEST ELECT (Kneels at altar) (Assumes the Masonic attitude at prayer.) GRAND CHAPLAIN: MOST HOLY AND GLORIOUS LORD GOD, HIGH PRIEST OF HEAVEN AND EARTH! WE APPROACH THEE WITH REVERENCE AND IMPLORE THY BLESSING ON COMPANION ____ , ELECTED TO PRESIDE OVER THIS CHAPTER, AND NOW KNEELING AT THE ALTAR BEFORE THEE, AND UPON HIS ASSOCIATES WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED OR SELECTED TO SERVE WITH HIM. FILL THEIR HEARTS WITH THE SPIRIT OF THY SERVICE, THAT THEIR TONGUES AND ACTIONS MAY PRONOUNCE THY GLORY. MAKE THEM STEADFAST; GRANT THEM FIRMNESS OF MIND; ANIMATE THEIR HEARTS AND STRENGTHEN THEIR ENDEAVORS; MAY THEY TEACH THY JUDGMENTS AND THY LAWS; BLESS THEM, 0 LORD, AND BLESS THE WORK OF THEIR HANDS. ACCEPT US IN THY MERCY; HEAR THOU FROM HEAVEN, THY DWELLING PLACE, AND WHEN THOU HEAREST, FORGIVE OUR TRANSGRESSIONS. AMEN. RESPONSE: SO MOTE IT BE'

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: (Seats the audience and the standing officers).
NOTE: (Appropriate solo may be sung at this point.) (The High Priest Elect remains kneeling during music) (When concluded, the Grand High Priest continues)

Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

GRAND HIGH PRIEST YOU WILL RISE COMPANION ____________________, I FEEL MUCH SATISFACTION IN PERFORMING MY DUTY ON THIS PRESENT OCCASION BY INSTALLING YOU AS HIGH PRIEST OF THIS CHAPTER. IT IS AN
OFFICE HIGHLY HONORABLE TO ALL THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY PERFORM THE IMPORTANT DUTIES WHICH BELONG TO IT. I SHALL NOW PROPOSE CERTAIN QUESTIONS TO YOU, RELATIVE TO THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE, TO WHICH I MUST REQUIRE YOUR UNEQUIVOCAL ANSWER.

1.

DO YOU SOLEMNLY PROMISE, THAT YOU WILL NEVER SUFFER YOUR CHAPTER TO BE OPENED UNLESS THERE BE PRESENT NINE REGULAR ROYAL ARCH MASONS'? 2. THAT YOU WILL NEVER SUFFER MORE OR LESS THAN THREE BRETHREN TO BE EXALTED IN YOUR CHAPTER AT ONE AND THE SAME TIME'? 3. THAT YOU WILL PROMOTE THE GENERAL GOOD OF OUR ORDER, AND, ON ALL PROPER OCCASIONS, BE READY TO GIVE AND RECEIVE, INSTRUCTIONS, PARTICULARLY FROM THE GRAND OFFICERS? 4. THAT, TO THE UTMOST OF YOUR POWER, YOU WILL PRESERVE THE SOLEMNITIES OF OUR CEREMONIES, AND BEHAVE, IN OPEN CHAPTER, WITH THE MOST PROFOUND RESPECT AND REVERENCE, AS AN EXAMPLE TO YOUR COMPANIONS? 5. THAT YOU WILL OBSERVE AND SUPPORT THE BY-LAWS OF THIS CHAPTER, THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MINNESOTA UNDER WHOSE AUTHORITY YOU ACT, AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER, INTERNATIONAL? 6. THAT YOU WILL PAY RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE GENERAL AND STATE GRAND OFFICERS, PARTICULARLY RELATING TO THE SEVERAL LECTURES AND CHARGES, AND WILL RESIGN YOUR CHAIR TO THEM, SEVERALLY, WHEN THEY MAY VISIT YOUR CHAPTER? DO YOU SUBMIT TO THESE THINGS, AND DO YOU PROMISE TO OBSERVE AND PRACTICE THEM FAITHFULLY'? HIGH PRIEST: (Answers) I DO. GRAND HIGH PRIEST (continues) COMPANION BECAUSE OF YOUR CHEERFUL ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHARGES, YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR INSTALLATION AS THE EXCELLENT HIGH PRIEST OF THIS CHAPTER AND, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON ME, ON THIS OCCASION TO POINT OUT SOME OF THE PARTICULARS APPERTAINING TO YOUR OFFICE, ITS DUTY AND DIGNITY. THE EXCELLENT HIGH PRIEST OF EVERY CHAPTER HAS IT IN SPECIAL CHARGE TO SEE THAT THE BY-LAWS OF HIS CHAPTER, AS WELL AS THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER, ARE OBSERVED;
THAT ALL THE OFFICERS OF HIS CHAPTER PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICES FAITHFULLY, AND ARE EXAMPLES OF DILIGENCE AND INDUSTRY TO THEIR COMPANIONS; THAT TRUE AND ACCURATE RECORDS OF ALL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CHAPTER ARE KEPT BY THE SECRETARY; THAT THE TREASURER RENDERS TRUE AND ACCURATE RECORDS OF ALL THE MONEYS AND OTHER PROPERTIES BELONGING TO THE CHAPTER; THAT CORRECT RETURNS BE MADE PROMPTLY AND ANNUALLY TO THE GRAND CHAPTER, AND THAT THE ANNUAL DUES OF THE GRAND CHAPTER BE REGULARLY AND PROMPTLY PAID.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AND AUTHORITY TO CALL THE MEMBERS OF THIS CHAPTER TOGETHER AT YOUR PLEASURE, UPON ANY EMERGENCY OR OCCURRENCE, WHICH, IN YOUR JUDGMENT, MAY REQUIRE THEIR MEETING. IT IS YOUR PRIVILEGE AND DUTY, TOGETHER WITH THE KING AND SCRIBE, TO ATTEND THE
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

CONVOCATIONS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MINNESOTA, IN PERSON OR BY PROXY, AND THE WELL-BEING OF THIS INSTITUTION REQUIRES THAT THIS DUTY, ON NO

OCCASION, BE OMITTED. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE
(DONE) AND CONDUCT YOU TO THE EAST (DONE)

I NOW PRESENT YOU WITH THE BY-LAWS OF YOUR CHAPTER, THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MINNESOTA, AND THE CHARTER OF THIS CHAPTER UNDER WHICH AUTHORITY YOU MAY ACT.
(The foregoing "by gesture")

YOU MAY NOW BE SEATED. (DONE)

YOU WILL NOW BE COVERED, (DONE) AND PRESENTED WITH THE GAVEL, THE SYMBOL OF YOUR AUTHORITY TO PRESIDE OVER THIS CHAPTER AND I NOW HAIL YOU AS THE EXCELLENT HIGH PRIEST OF THIS CHAPTER.
(Any additional, comments may be made at this point.) NOTE: (Following the leading of the High Priest to the east, the Grand Captain of the Host will return to a place just to the south of the chair occupied by the King and stand waiting orders. As each officer is installed, the Grand Captain of the Host will return to a position just to the south of each succeeding officer in turn)

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST, YOU WILL PRESENT EACH REMAINING OFFICER-TO-BE-INSTALLED IN ORDER OF RANK. GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST: (Presents the King elect to the west of the altar and says.) MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, I TAKE PLEASURE IN PRESENTING COMPANION _______________________, , TO BE INSTALLED AS KING OF THIS CHAPTER.
(He, then, steps to one side.) (NOTE: The above procedure is repeated for each officer as presented with appropriate change of title.)

CHARGE TO THE KING GRAND HIGH PRIEST COMPANION ______________________________ , THE IMPORTANT STATION TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN REQUIRES FROM YOU EXEMPLARY CONDUCT. YOU ARE TO SECOND AND SUPPORT YOUR CHIEF IN ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF HIS OFFICE AND, SHOULD CASUALTIES AT ANY TIME PREVENT HIS ATTENDANCE, YOU ARE TO SUCCEED HIM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES. YOUR BADGE, THE LEVEL SURMOUNTED BY THE CROWN, SHOULD REMIND YOU THAT ALTHOUGH YOU ARE THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KING, AND EXALTED IN OFFICE ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS, YET THAT YOU REMAIN ON A LEVEL WITH THEM AS RESPECTS YOUR DUTY TO GOD, YOUR COUNTRY, AND YOURSELF.
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE, BY PLACING THE KING IN A SITUATION SUBORDINATE TO THAT OF THE HIGH PRIEST, TEACHES US THAT OUR DUTY TO GOD IS PARAMOUNT TO ALL OTHERS. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE SECOND SEAT IN THE COUNCIL OF YOUR COMPANIONS. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR STATION. (DONE) CHARGE TO THE SCRIBE GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION _________________________, THE OFFICE OF SCRIBE, TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN, IS VERY IMPORTANT AND RESPECTABLE. IN THE ABSENCE OF YOUR SUPERIOR OFFICERS, YOU ARE BOUND TO SUCCEED THEM AND PERFORM THEIR DUTIES; YOU WILL THEREFORE PERCEIVE THE NECESSITY OF YOUR POSSESSION SUCH QUALIFICATION AS WILL ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH THESE DUTIES WHICH ARE INCUMBENT ON YOU IN YOUR STATION. MAY YOUR BADGE, WHICH IS THE PLUMB LINE SURMOUNTED BY THE TURBAN, AND AN EMBLEM OF RECTITUDE AND VIGILANCE, EVER REMIND YOU TO WALK UPRIGHTLY, IN YOUR STATION, ADMONISHING YOUR, COMPANIONS TO FIDELITY AND INDUSTRY WHILE AT LABOR AND TEMPERANCE AND MODERATION WHILE AT REFRESHMENTS. YOU WILL OCCUPY THE THIRD SEAT IN THE COUNCIL. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR STATION. (DONE)

CHARGE TO THE TREASURER GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION _________________________, THE QUALITIES WHICH SHOULD RECOMMEND A TREASURER ARE ACCURACY IN KEEPING A FAIR AND MINUTE ACCOUNT OF
ALL RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS AND FIDELITY IN CAREFULLY PRESERVING ALL THE PROPERTY AND FUNDS OF THIS CHAPTER.

YOUR RESPECT FOR THE INSTITUTION, YOUR REGARD FOR THIS CHAPTER, AND YOUR DESIRE FOR A GOOD NAME WILL, DOUBTLESS, PROMPT YOU TO FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR STATION. (DONE) CHARGE TO THE SECRETARY

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION ______________________________ , THE PROSPERITY OF THIS CHAPTER DEPENDS, MUCH, ON HOW WELL YOU EXERCISE THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE.
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

PROMPTITUDE IN ISSUING THE REQUIRED NOTIFICATIONS AND ORDERS; CORRECTNESS AND JUDGMENT IN RECORDING THE PROCEEDINGS; REGULARITY IN MAKING THE ANNUAL RETURNS TO THE GRAND CHAPTER; INTEGRITY IN ACCOUNTING FOR ALL MONEYS; AND FIDELITY IN PAYING THEM INTO THE HANDS OF THE TREASURER, ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD SECRETARY. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR STATION. (DONE)

CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION _____________________________ , IN THE DISCHARGE OF YOUR DUTIES, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THE DEVOTIONAL SERVICES AT OUR CONVOCATIONS. THOUGH MASONRY IS DEFINITELY NOT A RELIGION, IT IS EMPHATICALLY RELIGION'S HANDMAIDEN; AND I TRUST THE SERVICES YOU MAY PERFORM WILL LOSE NOTHING OF THEIR VITAL IMPORTANCE BECAUSE THEY 'ARE PRACTICED IN THE SPIRIT OF UNIVERSAL TOLERANCE WHICH DISTINGUISHES OUR INSTITUTION. . THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR PLACE IN THE CHAPTER. (DONE) CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN OF THE HOST

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION ________________________________ , THE OFFICE WITH WHICH YOU ARE ENTRUSTED, IS OF HIGH IMPORTANCE, AND DEMANDS YOUR MOST ZEALOUS CONSIDERATION. YOUR OFFICE CORRESPONDS WITH THAT OF A MARSHAL OR MASTER OF CEREMONIES, AND YOU WILL SUPERINTEND ALL PROCESSIONS OF THE CHAPTER, IN. PUBLIC OR IN PRIVATE. ORDER AND DECORUM SHOULD ALWAYS BE OBSERVED, AND YOUR ATTENTION TO THE COMMANDS OF YOUR CHIEF IS EARNESTLY REQUESTED. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR PLACE IN THE CHAPTER. (DONE)

CHARGE TO THE PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION ____________________________________ , THE OFFICE ENTRUSTED TO YOU IS EQUAL IN IMPORTANCE TO ANY IN THIS CHAPTER, THAT OF THE HIGH PRIEST ALONE EXCEPTED. YOUR OFFICE CORRESPONDS TO THAT OF THE SENIOR DEACON IN THE PREPARATORY DEGREES.

Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE OFFICER WHO BRINGS THE BLIND BY A WAY THEY KNOW NOT, AND LEADS THEM IN PATHS THAT THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN, SHOULD ALWAYS BE QUALIFIED TO MAKE DARKNESS LIGHT BEFORE THEM AND CROOKED THINGS STRAIGHT. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL, NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR PLACE IN THE CHAPTER. (DONE)

CHARGE TO THE ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION _____________________________________ , IT IS YOUR PROVINCE, TOGETHER WITH THE CAPTAIN OF THE HOST, TO ATTEND THE EXAMINATION OF ALL VISITORS, AND TO TAKE CARE THAT ONLY THOSE ARE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE CHAPTER WHO HAVE TRAVELED THE RUGGED PATH OF TRIAL AND EVINCED THEIR TITLE TO OUR FAVOR AND FRIENDSHIP. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR PLACE IN THE CHAPTER. (DONE) CHARGE TO THE VEILMEN
NOTE: (All three veilmen are presented at one time).

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANIONS _____________________________________________ __________________________ , AS VEILS HAVE BEEN PLACED TO PROTECT THE APPROACHES OF OUR SACRED TABERNACLE, SO IT IS NECESSARY TO HAVE GUARDS STATIONED TO SEE THAT NONE WHO ARE UNWORTHY ARE ADMITTED. YOU WILL, THEREFORE, PERMIT NONE TO PASS EXCEPT THOSE WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO BEAUTIFY AND ADORN THE MASONIC EDIFICE. YOU, WILL, SHORTLY, BE GIVEN A SWORD BY WHICH YOU WILL BE ENABLED, SYMBOLICALLY, TO MAINTAIN THE HONOR OF THE BANNER DISPLAYED AT YOUR PLACE IN THE CHAPTER. THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST EACH OF YOU WITH A SWORD AND THE JEWEL OF YOUR OFFICE, WHEREUPON, HE WILL CONDUCT YOU TO YOUR PLACES IN THE VEILS OF THIS CHAPTER. (DONE) CHARGE TO THE SENTINEL

AND

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: COMPANION ___________________________ , IT IS YOUR DUTY TO GUARD WELL THE DOORS OF THIS CHAPTER AND TO THAT END, YOU WILL BE GIVEN A SWORD AS THE SYMBOLIC IMPLEMENT OF YOUR OFFICE. IT IS ALSO YOUR DUTY TO PROPERLY PREPARE THE CHAPTER ROOM FOR OUR CONVOCATIONS AND TO ARRANGE AND CARE FOR ITS ROBES AND PARAPHERNALIA.
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE JEWEL AND SWORD OF YOUR OFFICE AND CONDUCT YOU TO THE DOOR OF OUR CHAPTER.
(Conducted to a place inside the door.) (Grand Captain of the Host may then assume his proper place.)

CHARGE TO THE CHAPTER GRAND HIGH PRIEST: THE COMPANIONS OF ______________ CHAPTER NO. ____ WILL PLEASE RISE. MY COMPANIONS ALL, THE DESIRE TO PRESERVE AND PERPETUATE A REPUTATION FOR GOOD WORK SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ALL CAPITULAR MASONS. TO THIS, MAY BE ADDED THE PLEASURE WHICH EVERY CHARITABLE HEART MUST FEEL IN DOING GOOD, PROMOTING ORDER, DIFFUSING LIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE, AND CULTIVATING MASONIC CHARITY, WHICH ARE THE GREAT OBJECTS OF THIS SUBLIME INSTITUTION. I CANNOT DOUBT THAT YOUR FUTURE CONDUCT, AND THAT OF YOUR SUCCESSORS, WILL BE SUCH AS TO INCREASE STILL MORE THE LUSTER OF YOUR JUSTLY EARNED REPUTATIONS. MAY THIS CHAPTER BECOME AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE TEMPLE, PEACEFUL AS THE ARK, AND SACRED AS IT'S MOST HOLY PLACE. MAY OUR OBLIGATIONS OF PIETY AND, PRAISE BE AS GRATEFUL AS THE INCENSE, OUR LOVE WARM AS ITS FLAME, AND OUR CHARITY AS DIFFUSIVE AS ITS FRAGRANCE. MAY OUR HEARTS BE AS PURE AS THE ALTAR AND OUR CONDUCT AS ACCEPTABLE AS OUR OFFERING. MAY THE EXERCISE OF OUR CHARITY BE AS CONSTANT AS THE RETURNING WANTS OF THE DISTRESSED WIDOW AND THE HELPLESS ORPHAN. MAY THE APPROBATION OF HEAVEN BE OUR ENCOURAGEMENT, AND THE TESTIMONY OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE, OUR SUPPORT. MAY WE BE ENDOWED WITH EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT, WHILE TRAVELING THE RUGGED PATH OF LIFE AND, FINALLY, MAY WE BE ADMITTED WITHIN THE VEIL OF HEAVEN TO THE FULL ENJOYMENT OF LIFE ETERNAL. COMPANION GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST, YOU WILL MAKE THE PROCLAMATION. GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST: (Goes to a position just west of the altar, raises his right hand
high, and proclaims as follows:)

PROCLAMATION
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Installation of Officers for a MN Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MINNESOTA, I PROCLAIM THE OFFICERS OF __________ CHAPTER NO. _____, DULY INSTALLED IN THEIR SEVERAL STATIONS AND PLACES. [ if necessary, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF _____________] ALL THOSE AFFECTED, WILL GOVERN THEMSELVES ACCORDINGLY.

GRAND HIGH PRIEST: YOU MAY BE SEATED.

(Turns to the High Priest, who stands.) (Installing Grand High Priest speaks, extemporaneously, and places the Excellent High Priest in control of the proceedings.)

EXCELLENT HIGH PRIEST: (May make a short address of his choice, make any additional comments and announcements, and, finally, DECLARE THE CHAPTER CLOSED.

Lawrence K. Offenbecker, Grand Lecturer, Henry A. VanGeest, P.G.H.P. James O. Burlingame, P.G.H.P . November 1,1978

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