Installation

Installation (Low Latin and stallum, a seat) is a name in some churches for the ceremonial act or process by which an ordained minister is formally put into possession of his office, and by which he is fully empowered not alone to exercise its functions, but to enjoy its honors and emoluments. The ceremonial form, as well as the name, differs according to the office which is conferred, as enthronization for a bishop, induction for a minister, etc. Installation in the English Church, however, properly regards only the office of a canon or prebendary. The word is also used generally for a formal introduction to any office. "Though technically distinguished in modern times from the act of ordination, it is virtually included in the 'ordination' services whenever the minister is inducted into the pastoral office for the first time. But when, having been previously ordained, he forms another pastoral connection, the public and official induction is termed simply an 'installation.' See Chambers, Cyclop. s.v.; Walcott,

Sacred Archceöl. p. 329 (for the use of the term as used in the English Church); Congregat. Quarterly, 1868, p. 340.