05/02/2020
Message from our WGM:
From: linda winnchristenson
Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 6:51 PM
Subject: Open Installations abbreviated version
Sisters and Brothers,
I have been requested to give better guidelines regarding Installations and what is considered an abbreviated version of an installation. We have faced challenges and issues this year unknown to our Chapters in most of our lifetimes. I pray we never again have to deal with the restrictions on meetings we have this year. We are facing challenges and adapting, what we have to do in the next few months to keep our Chapters operating are temporary solutions, not to be used normally.
I have been questioned if visiting another chapter is not allowed. Everyone has to make that decision for their self, taking into consideration their own health and safety issues. You must however, maintain safe distancing. The visiting only one’s own chapter was a suggestion not a mandate.
These guidelines are only for this year and are not to be considered acceptable once the Pandemic Restrictions are lifted.
Open Installations:
The Grand Master has stated we can hold an open Installation as long as we maintain the 6 foot safe social distancing rule and no food or beverages are cooked, served or consumed in a Masonic Lodge building or on the property. I highly recommend following an abbreviated installation.
Abbreviated Installation:
The Most Worthy Grand Matron has given permission to Grand Jurisdictions to hold abbreviated installations of officers. She has not given blanket permission to subordinate chapters to do the same, however she has stated she hopes all Worthy Grand Matrons will consider the safety and well being of the membership and work with the subordinate chapters.
I have suggested abbreviate Installations for Texas Chapters.
This is a suggestion of how this can be accomplished. Each Chapter will have to analyze the lay out of the Chapter Room and decide on a safe plan for the installation.
The Installing Marshal will not es**rt Officers elect into the chapter room and the Officers will not sit in a semicircle in back of Esther’s station.. My suggestion is they assume the station the will hold without wearing their badge. The installing Officer will instruct the Conductress to Open the Bible, the Installing Marshal will call the roll of Officers to be installed from a position near the South East. After the required parts of the Installation are accomplished the officers will put on their own badge of office just prior to the Installation being proclaimed by the Installing Marshal.
If an open installation is held the Pledge to the United States flag should be recited, if installation is part of a stated meeting this need not be repeated.
The following are what I deem necessary for an abbreviated installation of officers open or closed.
1. The Lord’s Prayer recited in unison.
2.Ritualistic Installation Prayer.(page 99)
3. Officer Obligation. (page 101) (not necessarily within the Labyrinth)
4. 7 items the Worthy Matron must agree to (pages 102-104) (I prefer she stand at the altar if space permits)
5.Chapter’s promise to support the WM. (page 104
6. The Worthy Patron agreeing to the pledges made by the WM(page107)(at the Altar is possible)
7. Installing Marshal Proclaiming Installation(page 126)
8. Mizpah Benediction
Optional would be the Installing Officers remarks at the beginning(pages 98-99) and to WP & WM. (pages 123-126) prior to the proclamation.
I hope this will answer some of the many questions being asked. I understand it is all very confusing and the change from only Stated to allowing an open Installation changed over night.
I want to assure the members of Texas I, along with the Worthy Grand Patron, other Corporate Board members and the Board of Directors are working and doing our best to conduct the business of the Grand Chapter of Texas during this challenge. Unfortunately there is no hand book or set of rules on how to conduct the affairs of Grand Chapter or the Subordinate Chapters under the current circumstances. We are doing our utmost to make decisions based on our love of the membership, the order while trying to follow our laws and instructions or rules issued by civil governing bodies. We also miss being with the membership and I can assure you I personally feel the frustration many of you have over delay of balloting or initiations, loss of fundraisers, cancelled programs and opportunities to be with other members. Please remember to have patience, this is a temporary situation and with the grace of God we will prevail and overcome all trials and tribulations.
With my love and prayers,
Linda Rose Winn-Christenson
Worthy Grand Matron, 2019-2020
Grand Chapter of Texas, OES
