Installation of Officers

Vocabulary · 7

Installation of Officers

The annual ceremony at which a Lodge's incoming officers are placed in their respective stations. The ceremony is published in full and traditionally performed in open Lodge with families and the public welcome to attend.

Installing Officer

An installed Past Master designated to conduct the ceremony. The Grand Lodge's Constitution names who is qualified; typically any installed Master of a regular Lodge.

Charges

Brief published addresses given to each officer at the moment of his installation, explaining the duties of that station. The charge to the Worshipful Master is the longest and most published portion.

Constitution of a Lodge

Distinct from installation: the constitution is the original chartering ceremony performed once by the Grand Lodge when a new Lodge is formed. Installation is annual and per-officer.

Investiture

The placing of the jewel of office about an officer's neck, usually a collar with the symbol of that station (Square for Master, Level for Senior Warden, Plumb for Junior Warden, and so on for the other offices).

Public attendance

Installations are conducted with the Lodge in 'open' (public) form. Spouses, parents, children, and the wider community are welcome and frequently invited. This distinguishes installation from tyled work.

Refreshment afterward

Most Lodges follow the installation with a meal, reception, or dinner at which the new officers are presented to the community. The Mason's family commitment is publicly recognized.

Practice questions · 4

1. Who is typically qualified to act as Installing Officer?

   • a. Any Master Mason in good standing
   • b. An installed Past Master of a regular Lodge ✓
   • c. Only the Grand Master himself
   • d. The Lodge Secretary

2. How does the installation differ from the constitution of a Lodge?

   • a. They are interchangeable terms
   • b. Installation is annual and per-officer; constitution is a one-time charter ceremony for a new Lodge ✓
   • c. Installation is private; constitution is public
   • d. Constitution comes first and installation only later for some Lodges

3. What is investiture in the installation ceremony?

   • a. The opening prayer over the assembled Lodge
   • b. Placing the jewel of office about an officer's neck ✓
   • c. Reading the new bylaws aloud
   • d. Signing the minutes book

4. Who is welcome to attend a Masonic officer installation?

   • a. Only members of that Lodge
   • b. Only Master Masons in good standing
   • c. Spouses, family, and the wider public; installations are conducted in open Lodge ✓
   • d. Only members of the same jurisdiction