Shibboleth: A Templar Monitor

I, —, do promise and vow that I will support and maintain the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, and will use my best endeavors to cause a proper observance of the same, according to the authority which is in me vested; and that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully discharge the duties pertaining to the office to which I have been elected.

GM.—Most Eminent Sir, I now with pleasure invest you with the Jewel of your high office, the highest in the gift of the great Order of the Temple.

The GM. takes the Jewel from his own breast, goes down and places it on the breast of the new Grand Master.

GM.—One so distinguished in the Order needs no admonition from me as to how this Jewel should be worn. The interests of the Order are placed in your hands, whether for weal or woe depends upon the fulfillment of the promises you have made to yourself, and to us. This body, whose chief you now are, feels confident that you will not abuse or pervert the powers conferred upon you as Grand Master.

It is known to you that to rule well has not been the lot of all called to such duty. And it is further known to you that it is not by a strong arm, or by an iron will, that order and obedience are secured, but by holding the key to the hearts of men. We hope and believe that you now and ever will hold such a key.

You will ascend to your station in the Grand East, and receive the salutations of your Companions-in-arms.

The Grand Master is escorted to his chair by the Grand Marshal. He stands in his station.

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