It appears that no public Installations were held for Principals Bethune (1835-1846), Meredith (1846-1853); Day (1853-1855); Dawson (1855-1893); Peterson (1895-1919); Geddes (1919-1920); and Currie (1920-1933). For each of these Principals, a resolution was made in the Board of Governors meetings confirming the appointment.

The first evidence of a public event following an appointment is Principal Peterson’s inaugural address to students at the beginning of his first term. The appointment of Sir Arthur Currie as Principal was announced at the 1920 Convocation, at which he received an honorary degree.

Please note that between 1893 and 1895, the Office of the Principal of McGill University was vacant, with the Board of Governors appointing Vice-Principal Alexander Johnson Acting Principal on January 24, 1894. Between 1933 and 1935 the Principal's Office was again vacant, and the University was administered by Chancellor Edward Beatty.