District Superintendent: Installation ritual

5930. Order of Installation of a District Superintendent.

(The General Superintendent or representative shall be in charge of installing the district superintendent before the adjournment of the district conference in which election to the office has occurred (1935). The newly elected district superintendent, and such other district officers as are desired, shall be called before the General Superintendent, who shall first address the district superintendent, saying:)

District superintendent __________________, today you stand before us along with the other duly elected officers of the district. You have been prayerfully selected by this district conference to serve as leader of the ______________________ District of The Wesleyan Church. It is in you that the ministers and members of the various churches within the bounds of this district are investing their confidence and trust. Yours is indeed a position of significant honor and responsibility, and it is only as God is with you that you will be enabled to fill it.

In counseling, may He grant needed grace; in decisions, may He impart of His wisdom; in labors, may your secret be His all-sufficient strength; in administration’s numerous phases, may He be your “very present help.” The support and cooperation of this body are assured you in the days that lie ahead. Together may you build a district that knows its best days spiritually, numerically, and materially as well.

And now, that we may hear publicly your intentions to accept this charge with proper regard for all that is therewith involved, we ask you in the presence of God and of these witnesses, do you accept the office of superintendent of the district, and do you hereby solemnly covenant to discharge your duties to God, to The Wesleyan Church, and to all the members of the ____________________ District, according to The Discipline and in the fear of God?

Answer: I do, God being my helper.

(The General Superintendent shall address the other district officers, saying:)

Do you, as officers representing the _______________ District, covenant to support the district superintendent and to discharge your several duties to God, to The Wesleyan Church, and to all the members of this district, according to The Discipline and in the fear of God?

Answer: We do, God being our helper.

(Then the General Superintendent shall address the district superintendent, saying:)

As representative of The Wesleyan Church, I charge you with this responsibility and declare you to be formally installed as superintendent of the _________________ District, entitled to the rights and privileges thereunto pertaining.

(Then the General Superintendent shall lead in prayer.)