Organist.
Sister Marshal, you will conduct our sister to her station.
I. O. Sisters and Brothers, such is the nature of all associations, that some must rule and govern, and others submit and obey.
The officers whom you have selected to preside over your deliberations during the ensuing year, are, I trust, sufficiently conversant with the rules of our Order to avoid exceeding the powers with which you have intrusted them.
All things are now ready for you to enter upon the proceedings of a new year. But we know not what is before us. No one can affirm that another year, or even a single day, will be committed to our trust. Therefore, if we have been faithful heretofore, let us increase our exertions for the future.
As among the objects for which we are associated together is our purpose to protect the widow and orphan, comfort the afflicted, sympathize with the sorrowing, and relieve the destitute and distressed, I trust that no discord will ever rise among us to imperil the success of our efforts to accomplish these charitable purposes, and increase the happiness of ourselves and others.
Let us be kind, forbearing and forgiving, one towards another. Let us return kindness for hostility. Let us sacredly preserve our lips from slander and evil speaking; and whatever may be our failings, let us throw around each other the broad mantle of charity. And, finally, let us be governed in words and deeds by the golden rule, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Thus may we confidently hope that in the good providence of God, each of us will be brought, through a useful and happy life, to a blissful close, and triumphant entrance upon the joys of celestial life.
The Installing Officer then addresses the Worthy Matron, who, as he does so, rises.
Worthy Matron, the officers of your Chapter have been installed into their respective stations, and are prepared to enter upon their duties. You will now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Chapter is held, and which must be present at all its meetings. You will also receive the Constitution governing the Order in this State, and the By-laws of this Chapter, both of which you are expected to make yourself thoroughly acquainted with, and see promptly obeyed. I now present to you the Gavel, an emblem of your authority; and as none should disobey it, I confidently hope that you will never use it in an arbitrary or dictatorial manner, remembering that we should charitably temper justice with mercy. You will now assume your station as the Worthy Matron of this Chapter.