The Yeomen of York

Ritual

Founded in 1989 by
William Wallace Roberts… Grand Director General
Otis Henry Brown…Grand Deputy Director General
Frank C McKinnon Jr. …Grand Secretary General &
Treasurer
Richard Peter Somers…Grand General Master of
Ceremonies
Other Charter Members Include
R. Kent Bates, H. Dale DePriest, John H, LaBopunty
And Norman Wesley Stabem
All Members Here Listed Were
Knights of the York Cross of Honor

© 2013 M. W. Dey
All rights reserved
 YEOMEN OF YORK RITUAL
Called Meeting: Requires no formal seating arrangement and the use of
formal titles is not required.
Initiation and Formal attire is required and the following titles will be
Formal meetings: used.

KDG – Knight Director General

DDG – Knight Deputy Director General
KAG – Knight Adjutant General
KMC – Knight Master of Ceremonies
CHP – Knight Chaplain
GRD – Knight Guard
REC – Knight Recorder
YEO – Knight Yeoman

All other members of the order shall be addressed as

Knight Yeoman (Last Name).

The salute is in order when addressing or being addressed

by the Director General. This is done by placing the right
hand over the heart then extending the right arm forward
to parallel with the floor, palm down.

The Director General DOES NOT return the salute, but

nods to acknowledge.

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 ALTAR ARRANGEMENT
IDEAL BUT NOT MANDATORY

The Altar Cover is royal purple with gold edging, tassels, and
embroidery. The name of the Preceptory is on the West side, “LODGE” and
“CHAPTER” on the North, “COUNCIL” and “COMMANDERY” on the
South and “KNIGHTS OF THE YORK CROSS OF HONOUR” is on the East
side. The side embroidery is so arranged that it is all off the top of the Altar.
On the four corners are candles “BLUE” for the Symbolic Lodge” (NW
corner), “RED” for the Chapter (NE corner), “PURPLE” for the Council” (SE
corner), AND “WHITE” for the Knights Templar (SW corner).
A copy of the Holy Bible rests in the center of the Altar until opened.
When opened, it rests in the center of the Altar at the West edge.
Note: These are only suggestions. Each Preceptory should have the
choice, as conditions differ, in each Lodge room.

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 A Preceptory of Yeomen of York is convened with
the following seating arrangement
for the reception of candidates

Recorder

Podium
‫ڤ‬
DDG KDG
‫ڤ‬ ‫ڤ‬
GMC KAG
‫ڤ‬ ‫ڤ‬

Chapter ‫ڤ‬ Altar ‫ڤ‬ Council

Bible
Closed
Lodge ‫ڤ‬ ‫ڤ‬ Commandery

‫ڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤڤ‬
CANDIDATES

CPN

GRD YEOMAN

3 Outside
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 (3)2011

OPENING
KDG: (When ready to convene, KDG steps to the podium and gives one rap
of the gavel) * All officers will take their stations; the members will
come to order. (When satisfied that all is in order,) Knight Deputy
Director General.

DDG: (Rises, faces KDG, Salutes)

KDG: Are all present Yeomen of York or candidates to become Yeomen of

York?

DDG: (Inspects all in attendance) Knight Director General, All present are
Yeomen of York or candidates to become Yeomen of York. (Salutes)

KDG: * (seats DDG) Knight Master of Ceremonies.

KMC: (Rises, faces KDG, and salutes)

KDG: I am about to convene a Preceptory of Yeomen of York. See that we

are secure and that our duty at the altar is performed.

KMC: (Salutes, turns to the Guard) Knight Guard, you will guard our
Preceptory door from the inside and allow none to enter without the
permission of the Director General.

GRD: (Goes to the door and closes it) ** ** **

YEO: ** ** **

GRD: (Returns to station, salutes and is seated)

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KMC: (Faces the Chaplain) Knight Chaplain, you will light the candles
upon the Altar; open the Holy Bible to the first chapter of Haggai and
read aloud verses seven through nine.
KDG: ***, Knight Yeomen, uncover. (Chaplain uncovers and leaves beret
at station)

CHP: (Moves to the Altar; lights the candles; Blue, Red, Purple, and White.
Opens the Bible to Haggai 1:7-9 and reads and returns to his
station.)

(Haggai 1:7) Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
(Haggai 1:8) Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the
house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be
glorified, saith the Lord.
(Haggai 1:9) Ye looked for much, and lo, it came to little, and when
ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why?
saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house
that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own
house.

KMC: Knight Director General

KDG: (Nods)

KMC: We are secure and Haggai resides upon our Altar.

KDG: Knight Chaplain,

CHP: (Nods)

KDG: Please pray for us.

CHP: (From his station, uses the following prayer or one of his own.)
O Lord our Father and guide of all reason, make us mindful of the
dignity of which Thou hast deemed us worthy, and strengthen us to
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 fulfill the purposes of our existence as Yeomen of York. Please grant
that this meeting, thus begun in order, may be conducted in peace and
closed in harmony. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

KDG: (Recovers) In the name of Haggai the Prophet, I proclaim this

Preceptory of Yeomen of York to be in session. Recover.

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag. Knight

Yeomen will come to a military salute. (Done) *

NOTE: If the Preceptory is opened for the Initiation, skip the order of
business and go to “Reception of Candidates”

If for business only, continue on.

ORDER OF BUSINESS
NOTE: A quorum for conducting business shall consist of a majority of
KYCH members present, after all KYCH members have been notified
of the time and place of the meeting, provided, that at lease five (5)
must be present to conduct business.

1. Opening
2. Conferring of the Order
3. Reading of the minutes
4. Financial Statement
5. Communications and Bills
6. Membership recommendations
7. Balloting on membership recommendations
8. Old business
9. New business
10. Good of the Order
11. Election of Officers
12. Installation of Officers
13. Closing (Go to Page 17)
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 RECEPTION OF CANDIDATES

KDG: Knight Adjutant General

KAG: (Rises, faces KDG, and salutes)

KDG: You will read aloud the list of candidates who have been duly elected
for investiture into this Preceptory of Yeomen of York.

KAG: (Moves to the podium and reads the list…returns to his station, nods
and is seated)

KDG: Knight Master of Ceremonies

KMC: (Rises, faces KDG, and salutes)

KDG: I now declare this Preceptory to be in readiness to receive any and all
elected candidates for such investiture as our statutes and by-laws
provide. You will assemble these candidates before the altar.

KMC: (Assembles all of the candidates west of the Altar)

DDG: (Goes to the podium and gives the Yeomen of York Preamble from
memory)

YEOMEN OF YORK PREAMBLE

DDG: Since Haggai’s ministry was mainly concerned with the rebuilding
of the ruined Temple at Jerusalem, it is altogether fitting that Yeomen
of York should choose him to be the patron saint of the Order.
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 The purpose of our Order parallels that of Haggai in that our main
concern is to rekindle the waning interest in Masonry in general, but
in the York Rite in particular. We as Yeomen of York recall the days
of Haggai with reverence, and will always remember his words of
wisdom.
The Persian conqueror Cyrus had proclaimed liberty to Israel’s
exiles immediately after his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC and a
considerable number returned to their own land. They had high hopes
of restoring the city and repairing the Temple, but they found
themselves confronted by an extremely difficult task; living
conditions were poor and their crops failed. In addition, they were
constantly being harassed by their Samaritan neighbors (Ezra, Ch 4)
so the building of the Temple was delayed, and for a time, entirely
given up (537-529 BC). It was enough for the restored community to
seek security in the re-establishment of their own homes. But in the
year 520 BC, two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, arose to be the
Lord’s messengers to their people. First the word was given through
Haggai. “The people’s lot,” he said, “would never improve until they
were prepared to put first things first! They were attending to their
own concerns while the Lord’s House lay waste. Let them at least
make a beginning and build.”
It seems for us, as we observe the Masonry of today that we are
also returning to a time when the membership is attending to their
own concerns, and letting much of the Fraternity languish in ruin. We
are plagued by a lack of leadership and too many demands on our
time, but we fail to realize the impact that this has on Masonry. We
put our own desires ahead of the commitment we are to have. As
Yeomen of York, let us remember that we are to focus not on
ourselves, but on the York Rite, in all its bodies, as a way not only of
improving our own lives, but additionally the world as a whole.
Thus as Yeomen of York, we are committed to the York Rite of
Freemasonry. Let us, at this point through Haggai’s ministry, make
our beginning and build!

DDG: (Returns to station, nods to DG., and is seated)

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KMC: Knight Director General, I here present to you (gives the specific
number of candidates) distinguished York Rite Masons who have
been unanimously elected to membership in this Preceptory, and now
present themselves for such investiture as our statutes and by-laws
provide. (Remains standing at candidates’ left {North})

KDG: My Brothers, by virtue of your Masonic deportment and upon the

recommendation of your Brethren, you are welcome here! These two
qualifications alone make it unnecessary for you to assume another
vow or obligation; however, as in all laudable undertakings, please
kneel for the benefit of prayer.

KDG: ***

KDG: Knight Chaplain, please pray for us. Yeomen, uncover. (Berets
removed)

CHP: (From his station) Let us pray. Our Heavenly Father, look down
upon this Preceptory of Thy servants with love and compassion that
only You possess. Spread Your blessings over these outstanding
Masons whose service and fidelity have led them to this place of
honor in our hearts, and in our beloved fraternity. All of which we
ask in the name of Him who taught us to pray saying: Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy
will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

KDG: Recover. (Berets replaced) * (seats all, he then delivers the

Distinguished York Rite Mason Address.)

KDG: My Brothers, you will arise. (Candidates rise)

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 DISTINGISHED YORK RITE MASON ADDRESS

KDG: My brothers, you are all distinguished York Rite Masons, and as
such you have been singled out by the membership of this Preceptory
for many reasons, not the least of which is your dedication to the
precepts of Masonry in general, and to York Rite Masonry in
particular. By your proficiency, punctuality, cheerfulness, and
exemplary conduct, your popularity among Masons has grown, and
we as Knight Yeomen would be remiss in our Masonic duties if we
failed to recognize your rightful place among your peers. The
creation of this order was inspired by the memory of dedicated
Masons who, not unlike yourself, labored long and faithfully to
execute their work in York Rite Masonry, much in the same manner in
which you are now engaged. They would wish us to urge you on in
your Masonic labors and to assist you in completing your Masonic
work, “ere the week closes and the Sabbath of eternity sets in.”
I am pleased to welcome you into this Preceptory and to recognize
you as Yeomen of York.
Therefore, Knight Yeomen, be ye of sound mind; live in peace, and
may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within you.
My Brothers, you will be seated. (Candidates are seated.)

KDG: Knight Yeoman (calls the lecturer by name), please address those of
us who are Past Masters.

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LEC: (Rises, salutes, and delivers the Past Master Address at station, from
memory.)

PAST MASTER ADDRESS

(Lodge)

LEC: Worshipful Brothers, you are here by virtue of that title. Amidst all
the concerns and employments of the world, forget not the duties you
have heard so frequently inculcated, and forcibly recommended in the
Blue Lodge of Freemasonry.
Be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet. Remember that
around its altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every
brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have
promised to remind him, in the most tender manner of his failings,
and to aid his reformation. You promised to vindicate his character
when wrongfully traduced: suggest in his behalf, the most candid and
favorable circumstances, and to allow the world at large to observe
how Masons love one another. These generous principles are to
extend further.
Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good
unto all. Recommend it more especially to the household of the
faithful. By diligence in the duties of your respective callings, by
liberal benevolence and diffusive charity, by constancy and fidelity in
your friendships, you have discovered the beneficial and happy
effects of this ancient and honorable institution. Let it not be
supposed that you have here labored in vain and spent your time for
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 naught. Your work is with the Lord and your recompense is with our
God in heaven.
Therefore Knight Yeoman, be ye of sound mind, live in peace and
may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within you.

LEC: ( Nods to KDG, and is seated.)

KDG: (Returns to podium) Knight Yeoman (calls the lecturer by name),

Please address those of us who are Past High Priests.

LEC: (Rises, salute, and delivers the Past High Priest Address at station,
from memory.)

PAST HIGH PRIEST ADDRESS

(Chapter)

LEC: Excellent Companions, you are here by virtue of that title. Having
attained to the position of Excellent High Priest, not only have you
ascended by regular gradations to the summit of the Royal Arch, but
you have assisted others in the instructions of the noble craft.
You have taught Mark Masters how to work in the quarries, exhibit
specimens of their skill and how to receive their Masonic wages in
the proper manner. As Past Masters you taught them the important
duties that qualified them to preside over the Sons of Light and
inducted them into the Oriental Chair. You allowed them to be
present and assist at the completion and dedication of our Mystic
Temple, and for their zeal and fidelity to the craft, you awarded them
the congratulatory title of Most Excellent Master. You have
supervised them in the great and glorious work of rebuilding the
house of the Lord, allowed them to see the treasures of the first
temple brought to light, and that blessed Book of the Law, restored to
God’s chosen people. And if this is not enough, you then assisted
your brethren in the discovery of the long lost Master’s word.
Therefore, Knight Yeoman, be ye of sound mind, live in peace, and
may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within you!
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LEC: (Nods to KDG, and is seated)

KDG: (Returns to podium) Knight Yeoman (calls the lecturer by name),

please address those of us who are Past Masters of the Council.

LEC: (Rises, salutes, and delivers the Past Master Address at station, from
memory .)

PAST MASTER ADDRESS

(Council)

LEC: Illustrious Companions, you are here by virtue of that title. You
have kept watch and ward over Adoniram and Zabud, as others have
done for Levi and the Young Craftsman… who labored to rebuild the
second temple.
You have taught those who would learn, minute detail, not only
that there were secret deposits of Holy Vessels, furniture, and an
imitation of the Ark of the Covenant made within the Ninth Arch, but
you allowed them to witness for themselves, the manner in which
Adoniram was shown by Hiram Abif himself, on the floor above the
Sanctum Sanctorum, the exact location of the Ninth Arch
And finally; Illustrious Companions, you have admonished us not
to forget, mid the cares and vicissitudes of active life, the bright
example of sincere friendship, so beautifully illustrated in the lives of
the founders of the Royal and Select Master Degrees!
You have reminded us that we should dwell with God… between
the two Cherubim on the Mercy Seat.

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 Therefore, Knight Yeoman, be ye of sound mind, live in peace…
and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within You.

LEC: (Nods to KDG, and is seated)

KDG: (Returns to podium) Knight Yeoman (calls each lecturer by name),

please address those of us who are Past Commanders.

LEC: (Rises, salutes, and delivers the Past Commander Address at station,
from memory.)

PAST COMMANDER ADDRESS

(Commandery)

LEC: Eminent Sirs, you are here by virtue of that title. You have wielded
your sword in defense of innocent maidens, destitute widows,
helpless orphans, and the Christian Religion. In so doing, you have
protected the transition of the human race into Christianity. You have
taught those who would learn that as Judaism was a preparation for
Christianity, so the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross is preparation
for the Christian Order of the Temple.
You have been a protector of the memory of the valiant Knights of
Malta. We are reminded by your presence that although their
adventurous and war-like spirit has passed away with age, their
moral and beneficent character still remain to prompt us to press
forward in the cause of truth and justice.
As Knights Templar we shall always remember that hallowed
sacrifice on Calvary, the years of pilgrimage, warfare and penance as
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 well as the circumstances under which the fifth, sealed libation was
taken. You have carried your banner high and your battle cry has
been onward Christian Soldiers!
Therefore Knight Yeoman, be ye of sound mind, live in peace and
may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within you.”

LEC: (Nods, and is seated)

KDG: (Returns to the podium) Knight Yeoman (calls the lecturer by name),
please address those of us who are Knights of the York Cross of
Honour.

LEC: (Rises, and delivers the Knight of the York Cross of Honour Address
at station, from memory.)

KNIGHT OF THE YORK CROSS OF HONOUR

(KYCH)

LEC: Knights of the York Cross of Honour, you are here by virtue of that
title. The York Cross of Honour brought to you the Alpha and the
Omega, the very beginning and the end of ancient craft Masonry. In
your everyday life you are taught to exemplify the teachings of this
order and prove too all men the value of our Masonic Knighthood.
Your requirements for knighthood in this order were higher than
those of any other honorary memberships. The only entrance is
through the door marked service. Since you have proven your
willingness to serve, I am pleased to greet you, Yeomen of York.
Therefore Knight Yeomen, be ye of sound mind, live in peace and
may the God of love and peace delight to dwell within you!

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LEC: (Nods, and is seated)

KDG: (Returns to podium and says) You will now be invested with your
Black Beret bearing the insignia of a Yeoman of York. Knight
General Master of Ceremonies.

KMC: (Rises, faces KDG, and salutes)

KDG: Conduct these Knight Yeomen to the Deputy Director General who
will make the presentation.

DDG: (Proceeds to the proper position just in front {west} of the podium.)

KMC: (Instructs the candidates to follow him single file to a line east of the
altar, where the DDG will present each Yeoman with his Beret. He
then conducts the new Yeomen to in front of their chairs west of the
Altar.)
KDG: The correct way to wear the Beret is to place both thumbs and
forefingers on each side of the bow in the back of the Beret. Slip the
Beret on your head with the bow centered in the back of your head.
The Beret should be the width of one finger above the eyebrows in
the front. Grasp the escutcheon with the left hand, the right side of
the Beret should be then pulled down over the right ear.

I now invite all Knight Yeomen present to greet the new Knight
Yeomen.

(When have greeted the new Yeomen and are seated, he returns to his
station and is seated.)

DDG: (Without command rises, salutes KDG, and delivers the following,)
Knight Yeomen, as was stated at the outset of these ceremonies, let
us at least make a beginning and build.
The purpose for the existence of this order is to perpetuate and
extend York Rite of Freemasonry, by assisting wherever possible and
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 by any means at our disposal. Our watchword or password is service
to Masonry. The name of the order is “YEOMEN OF YORK”, and
our home shall be designated by the Director General. All Knight
Yeomen may participate in our meeting. Make recommendations for
the good of the order and for candidates for membership; however
only Knights of the York Cross of Honour may hold office and be
enfranchised to vote.
The qualifications for membership are as follows:

1: A candidate must be a York Rite Mason in good standing in

all four York Rite bodies.
2: He must be active in, or if incapacitated now, was at one time
active in all four York Rite bodies.
3: He must be, along with his wife, adaptable socially, in order
to meet with and enjoy the fellowship of other members of the order.”

And after fulfilling these qualifications, the following requirements

apply:
1: He must be recommended by a Yeoman of York in good
standing.
2: He must be elected by a unanimous ballot of all KYCH
members present at a meeting called for this purpose by the Director
General.

(Nods to the KDG, and is seated)

KAG: (Without command rises, salutes KDG, and delivers the following
from memory)
The insignia of the order is a circle within which four smaller circles
are inscribed, equally spaced, with the symbolic insignia of Masonry,
the square and compasses, inscribed at the bottom as a base or
foundation, the symbols of the Chapter and Council are inscribed
from left to right across the center, and the symbol of the
Commandery is in the circle at the top.

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 The jewel of the order shall be the past presiding officer’s jewel of
one of the four York Rite bodies, or the York Rite Cross of Honour
jewel worn in lieu of a Past Presiding officer’s jewel. Knight Yeomen
may wear a favorite York Rite lapel pin.
The dress for all meetings shall be a shirt and tie worn with a
business suit or sport jacket. The jewel of the order shall be worn
over the left breast, except in the case of the York Rite Cross of
Honour, which shall be worn around the neck.
The black Beret bearing the insignia of the order shall be worn and
all initiation ceremonies shall require formal (tuxedo) dress by all
officers conducting the investiture. Any member who attends a
meeting not dressed in the prescribed manner will be subject to a fine,
to be determined by the Director General.
The elected officers of a Preceptory shall consist of the following:
Director General, Deputy Director General, Knight Adjutant General,
General Master of Ceremonies, and Treasurer/Recorder. They shall
be elected for a term of one year at the annual meeting in August.
The appointed officers are: Knight Chaplain, Knight Guard, and
the Knight Yeoman. The lecturers are at the pleasure of the Director
General for each investiture.
To hold office, one must be a Knight of the York Rite Cross of
Honour, however, all nominations for officers shall be made from the
floor at the August meeting, and all yeomen present have the right to
nominate.
Meetings of our order may be called by the Director General for
such purposes as he may deem necessary, and each member shall be
notified by the Recorder, of the meeting time and place, at least ten
days before the meeting date.
Mandatory meetings shall consist of the annual meeting in
November of each year and the annual social gathering some time
during the year at the discretion of the Director General.
The alarm at the door of all tiled meetings shall be ** ** ** which
is, ** symbolic of the Lodge and the Chapter; ** symbolic of the
Council and the Commandery; ** symbolic of the Knight of the York

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 Cross of Honour and Yeomen of York. (Nods, to the KDG, and is
seated.)

KDG: Knight Yeomen, such is the nature of our engagements as Yeomen

of York. We welcome you into this Preceptory with the hope and
expectation that you will uphold our principles, and continue to strive
as you have in the past for the betterment of the York Rite of
Freemasonry.
Our order is dedicated to the memory of all great Yeomen, past and
present, who inspired us to create this Order. And all our members
have the right, NAY, the obligation to recommend additions of the
names of all qualified York Rite Masons to this list.

CLOSING

KDG: If there is nothing further to come before this Preceptory, I will

proceed to close. Knight Deputy Director General.

DDG: (Rises, faces KDG, salutes and says) I have nothing further, Director
General. (Remains standing)

KDG: Knight Adjutant General.

KAG: (Rises, faces KDG, salutes and says) I have nothing further, Director
General. (Remains standing)

KDG: Knight Master of Ceremonies.

KMC: (Rises, faces KDG, salutes and says) I have nothing further, Director
General. (Remains standing)

KDG: Does any Knight Yeoman have anything further to bring before this
Preceptory? (Hearing nothing says) Knight Master of Ceremonies.

KMC: (Faces KDG, salutes)

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KDG: The purpose for which this Preceptory was convened having been
accomplished, I declare this Preceptory closed. Dismiss the Guard
and perform your assigned duty at the altar.

KMC: (Nods, faces the Guard and says) Knight Guard, you are dismissed.
Knight Chaplain, perform your assigned duties at the Altar.

KDG: *** (calls up the Preceptory. When the Chaplain is at the Altar.)
Knight Yeomen, uncover.

CHP: (Uncovers, leaves beret at station proceeds to the Altar. Turns to

Haggai 2:7-9, pauses, and reads aloud.)

(Haggai 2:7) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all
nations shall come; and I will fill this house with
glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
(Haggai 2:8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord
of hosts.
(Haggai 2:9) The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the
former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.

(Closes the Bible and extinguishes the candles - White, Purple, Red,
and Blue last, returns to his station, and remains standing.)

KMC: (Faces KDG, salutes and says) Knight Director General all duties are
performed save one.

KDG: Knight Chaplain. Please pronounce upon us the Benediction.

CHP: And now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present
us faultless before the Presence of Glory with exceeding joy. To the
only wise God, our Savior, be all the Glory and Majesty, Dominion
and Power, both now and forevermore. Amen.
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KDG: Recover. (Berets replaced)

KMC: Knight Director General, all is finished.

KDG: *

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