Charge to a newly installed Grand Master

A Charge delivered to Bro. Samuel James Way, the first Grand Master of Masons of South Australia, at his Installation on 17 April 1884. This Charge was delivered by RW Bro. H.C.E. Muecke, the Installing Grand Master who had just resigned as District Grand Master of Scottish lodges in South Australia. It would appear that the Charge was written for the occasion by Bro. Muecke.


"Most Worshipful Sir - for henceforth you are entitled to be thus held - in inducting you to your Chair of Office, as a symbol of the commencement of your government over the Craft, I am performing a most solemn duty.

By the immemorial usages and landmarks of Freemasonry you, as Grand Master of Masons, are invested with powers and prerogatives which are well nigh absolute. The interests of the Craft, for weal or woe, are placed in your hands during your term of office. The good resolutions you have doubtless formed in your own mind that these powers shall not be abused or perverted while in your hands, I would gladly strengthen by a few words of admonition which it would not become me after this morning to utter. The very consciousness of the possession of so great a power, will ever make a generous mind cautious and gentle in its exercise.

To rule, has been the lot of many. It requires neither strength of intellect nor sound judgment. But to rule well has been the fortune of but few, and may well be an object of every honourable ambition. It is not by the strong arm or the iron will that obedience and order, the two great requisites to good government, are secured, but by holding the key to the hearts of men.

The Office of Grand Master is one of great antiquity and respect, and is one of the highest dignities to which we may aspire. Its incumbent, to rule well, requires the possession and practice of several important requisites.

As a man, he must be of approved integrity and irreproachable morals, freed from the dominion of hasty temper or ill-governed passions; of good repute in the world, and practising as an example to the Craft the cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice.

As a citizen he must be loyal to his government, obedient to its laws; prompt in the duties he owes to society, and a very pattern of integrity in all his social and domestic relations.

As a Mason he must cling to the Ancient Landmarks, and sternly oppose their infringement; be a proficient in the laws, language, and literature of the fraternity, ever desirous to learn and apt to teach; though not a workman himself for the time, yet master of the work and qualified to earn his wages; ever ready to relieve, slow to demand; ever remembering that, though elevated for a time above his fellows, he was elevated by them, that he is yet a Craftsman more sacredly bound by a Craftsman's obligation; and that at all times, wherever he be, he should practise the golden tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

As an officer [of the Grand Lodge] he should remember, first of all, that he is an individual Mason, and as such, sharing a common lot with his Brethren, and feeling an interest in the welfare of each and all; he should avoid all undue ostentation or haughty overbearing; be accessible to all, cultivating the closest friendship and most unlimited confidence with his associate officers; ever ready to take council with the Brethren, and to give it; forbearing long and much with evil doers, ready to reward the good; be free from favouritism, and wholly impartial; watchful over the treasury, keeping an eagle eye on every part of his jurisdiction, and breasting over the restless spirit of innovation.

Such, Most Worthy Master, are some of the qualifications of a Grand Master of Masons. The virtues he should possess, the errors he should avoid. Probably most, if not all, have not come up to this standard, but it is attainable; be it your purpose to reach it, and be a shining light to your successors."