II.—The Grand Master.
When a visit from the Grand Master is expected, the Master will see that a convenient apartment is provided for his use and that of his suite. When the Grand Master's visit is announced, the Master sends the Marshal, Deacons, Masters of Ceremony, and one of the oldest members (a Past Master, if practicable) bearing the Book of Constitutions, to escort him to the Lodge Room. A procession is formed in the following order:
Marshal.
Masters of Ceremony. Suite.
Brother with the Book of Constitutions.
Grand Master.
Deacons.
The Marshal announces to Tyler, Tyler to J. D., and J. D.: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Arkansas," when the Master calls up the Lodge. The Masters of Ceremony stop inside, and cross their rods, while the others proceed towards the East. On arriving at the altar, the suite open inwards, the Grand Master passes through, and the others, filing to the right and left, form a line across the hall. The private Grand Honors are then given. The Grand Master advances to the East, and the Master receives him, resigns to him the chair and the gavel. The suite take place on the right of the Master, and the Lodge is seated.
The Grand Master may decline to receive the chair and gavel, or at his pleasure may resign the same.
When the Grand Master announces his intention to retire, having previously resigned the chair and gavel to the Master, the Lodge is called up, the Private Grand Honors are given and the Master directs the proper officers to attend for the escort of the Grand Master. The Masters of Ceremony halt at the door, cross their rods, and the other officers escort the Grand Master to his apartment.