Lodges are urged to have their Worshipful Masters who will be retiring on Dec. 27 and Senior Wardens who will move into the East attend the Annual Grand Communication in Hershey and participate in a symbolic "Passing of the Gavel" ceremony. A section of seating will be set aside at the Grand Lodge Communication for the retiring and incoming Worshipful Masters.

After the new Grand Master has been installed, he will conduct a brief ceremony during which each retiring Worshipful Master present will remove the collar and apron of the office and invest his successor with them.

Each retiring Worshipful Master attending the Communication should be sure to have the collar and apron of the office with him. After the investiture, the new Worshipful Master should return the regalia to his lodge.

When entering the Grand Lodge meeting room on Dec. 27, the Worshipful Masters and the Senior Wardens should advise the Tyler that they will be participating in the "Passing of the Gavel" ceremony. The Tyler will direct them to their seating area.