are not of the second class, and all emeriti members not of the same. Second Class. Jewel as of the third class, to be suspended around the neck by a violet ribbon, white edge, the ribbon two inches and a half wide, the edging one-eighth of an inch, the jewel resting on the junction of the neck and chest. To be worn by all elective and past elective officers of the council, and by all emeriti members, and may be granted by the council to active members who have been in possession of the 33d degree for twenty years, and special representatives. First Class. Grand Cross of the Order. This consists of the jewel of the second class, reposing on a full sun of silver clasped to the left breast; also a grand cordon or sash, four inches wide, violet with white stripe onefourth of an inch wide, and edged with crimson a fourth of an inch wide. These are to be worn by Sovereign and Past Sovereign Grand Commanders, and by Eminent Patrons and Protectors of the Order, and other distinguished Masons of foreign countries to whom they may be decreed by the Supreme Council, and also by its special deputies and representatives in foreign countries with plenary powers. The Sovereign Grand Commander and Past Sovereign Grand Commander alone are privileged to wear the Grand Cross with brilliants. "ORDO AB CHAO." CEREMONIAL OF Inauguration, Constitution, and Installation OF THE VARIOUS SUBORDINATE BODIES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF MASONRY. CEREMONY OF INAUGURATION AND CONSTITUTION OF A LODGE OF PERFECTION. THE Lodge-room is arranged as for a ceremony of reception; the interlaced triangle over the throne is not lighted, and the pedestal is covered. In front of the East, seats are placed sufficient to accommodate the officers of the Consistory, and not less than twelve in number. CEREMONY. A Lodge of Perfection is opened in full form. The Grand Captain of the Guard will form the Consistory in a procession in an adjoining room, in the following order: T. P. G. M. Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, in the name of this Lodge of Perfection, I welcome you and those who attend you among us; more especially as you bring Letters of Constitution, authorizing us to continue our labors as a Lodge of Perfection, and at the same time to inaugurate and install its officers, whose zeal for the interests of the order has gained us that favor. Com.-in-Chief. Thrice Potent Grand Master, permit me to re turn thanks for this fraternal reception. The Consistory, knowing your zeal and devotion for our Ancient and Accepted rite, have favorably considered your request, and have caused Letters of Constitution to issue, empowering you to assemble as a legal Lodge, and to discharge the duties of our rite in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the order and the regulations of the Supreme Council, and now propose to inaugurate your Lodge and to install its officers. Com.-in-C. The officers of the Consistory will approach the East and be seated. Illustrious Grand Master of Ceremonies, you will now conduct to their appropriate stations in the Lodge the officers of the Consistory, and let the officers of the Lodge (commencing with the Captain of the Guard) yield up their stations respectively, and place their regalia upon the Altar of Incense; after which, you will conduct them to their seats in front of the East, vacated by their superior officers. Com.-in-C. Illustrious Grand Master of Ceremonies, conduct now the Thrice Potent Grand Master (after he shall have laid aside his regalia) to his proper seat among his officers. Com.-in-C. Illustrious Grand Chancellor, you will now read the Letters of Constitution. Grand Chancellor reads. Com.-in-C. Perfect and Sublime Brethren of Lodge of Perfection, No. ...., you have heard read your Letters of Constitution; do you accept them, and do you now desire that your Lodge shall be inaugurated? Omnes. We do. Com.-in-C. Perfect and sublime Brethren, the step which you now take is a serious and important one; heretofore you were only temporarily organized, but when you shall have been inaugurated and installed under these Letters of Constitution, you become a permanent body; and if you should so conduct yourselves as to cause them to be taken away, you will incur great reproach, and prove yourselves unworthy Masons. It will be |