When once of old, in Israel,Our brethren wrought with toil,Jehovah's blessings on them fell,In showers of Corn and Wine and Oil.
When once of old, in Israel,Our brethren wrought with toil,Jehovah's blessings on them fell,In showers of Corn and Wine and Oil.
In like manner, the Senior Grand Warden presents the Vessel of Wine, which is sprinkled on the Lodge by the Grand Master, saying:
May this Lodge be continually refreshed at the pure fountain of Masonic virtue.
The following may then be sung:
When then a shrine to him aboveThey built, with worship sin to foil,On threshold and on corner-stoneThey poured out Corn and Wine and Oil.
When then a shrine to him aboveThey built, with worship sin to foil,On threshold and on corner-stoneThey poured out Corn and Wine and Oil.
The Junior Grand Warden then presents the Vessel of Oil, which is used in the same manner, the Grand Master saying:
May the Supreme Ruler of the Universe preserve this Lodge in peace, and vouchsafe to it every blessing.
The following may then be sung:
And we have come, fraternal bands,With joy and pride and prosperous spoil,To honor him by votive hands,With streams of Corn and Wine and Oil.
And we have come, fraternal bands,With joy and pride and prosperous spoil,To honor him by votive hands,With streams of Corn and Wine and Oil.
Each vessel after use is placed upon the table.
The Grand Master then orders the Officers of the Grand Lodge to kneel as before, when the Grand Chaplain will rehearse the remaining portion of the consecration prayer:
Grant, O Lord, our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge may be endowed with wisdom to instruct their brethren in their duties. May brotherly love, relief and truth always prevail among the members of this Lodge. May this bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world. Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed, and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commend to Thee all the members of this whole family; may they increase in grace, in the knowledge of Thee, and in love to each other. Finally, may we finish all our work here below, with Thy approbation; and then may our transition from this earthly abode be to Thy heavenly Temple above, there to enjoy light and glory, and bliss ineffable and eternal. Amen.
Response: (By the Officers of the Grand Lodge.) As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
A short piece of solemn music is then performed, during which the Grand Officers will rise.
The Grand Master steps forward, and extending his hands over the emblem of the Lodge, exclaims:
To the memory of the Holy Saints John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every brother revere their character and imitate their virtues.
Response: (By the brethren.) As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Officers of the Grand Lodge will then about face, and stand, while the brethren of the new Lodge, under direction of the Grand Marshal, make a circuit in procession, single file, and salute the Grand Officers with their hands crossed upon their breasts, left over right, and heads slightly bowed while passing. Upon the completion of this ceremony, the brethren will resume position, facing inward. The Officers of the Grand Lodge will also resume original position. The Grand Master will call up, with his gavel, all present, and then proceed to
Grand Master: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Arkansas, I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren, into a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. From henceforth we empower you to meet as a Regular Lodge, constituted in conformity tothe rites of our institution, and the charges of our ancient and honorable Fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe prosper, direct and counsel you in all your doings.
Response by the brethren: So mote it be.
The Officers of the Grand Lodge will, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, give the Full Grand Honors. The Grand Marshal will then slowly replace the covering on the Lodge, during which a choir should chant—
"Glory be to God on High."
The Grand Marshal will then conduct the Grand Master to his chair, and instruct the officers of the Grand Lodge to resume their respective stations; and the members of the new Lodge to resume their seats. During these movements instrumental music should be performed.
Grand Master: (Calls up the assembly.) Worshipful Grand Marshal, you will make proclamation that ...... Lodge, No. ......, has been regularly constituted.
Grand Marshal: I am directed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, that ...... Lodge, No. ......, has been regularly constituted, and duly registered as such in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. This proclamation is made from the East, (one knock by G. M.); from the West, (one knock by theS. G. W.);from the South, (one knock by the J. G. W.); once, twice, thrice; the Craft will take due notice and govern itself accordingly. The Grand Honors are given.
Grand Master seats the brethren.
These ceremonies are conducted only by the Grand Master in person, or by some brother acting for him, under special dispensation, assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge, and such of the Craft as may be invited, or who may choose to attend, either as Lodges, or as individual brethren.
No corner-stone should be laid with Masonic ceremonies, except those of acknowledged public structures, or buildings which are to be used for Masonic purposes; and then only by special request of the proper authorities.
The Lodge or Lodges in the place where the building is to be erected, may invite such neighboring Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, as they may deem proper. The Chief Magistrate, and other Officers of the place, should also be invited to attend on the occasion.
At the time appointed for the ceremony, a sufficient number of brethren to act as Grand Officers are convened in a suitable place, where a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge will be opened on the Third Degree, and proper instructions given by the Grand Master; after which, the Officers of the Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, will form in the following order:
Grand Tyler,(with drawn sword.)Master Masons.Grand Steward,(carrying rod.)A Brother,(carrying Bible, Square and Compass, on a cushion.)Grand Steward,(carrying rod.)Grand ChaplainGrand Secretary,(carrying scroll, containing list of articles to be placed under the corner-stone.)Grand Treasurer,(in charge of the box[A]to be deposited under the corner-stone.)Gr'd Steward,(carrying rod.)PastGr'dOfficers,[B](in the order of their rank, two abreast.)Gr'd Steward,(carrying rod.)GRANDMARSHALPrincipal Architect,[C](carrying Square, Level and Plumb.)Jr. Grand Warden,(carrying vessel of oil.)Sr. Grand Warden,(carrying vessel of wine.)Deputy Grand Master,(carrying vessel of corn.)Master of Oldest Lodge,(carrying book of constitutions.)Jr. Grand Deacon,(carrying rod.)Grand Master.Sr. Grand Deacon,(carrying rod.)
The procession thus formed will proceed to join the general procession, if any, and march to the place where the ceremony is to be performed.
[A]This box may be carried by the Treasurer, or be sent in advance to the site of the corner-stone, as circumstances may dictate.
[A]This box may be carried by the Treasurer, or be sent in advance to the site of the corner-stone, as circumstances may dictate.
[B]In the absence of Past Grand Officers, these Stewards will support the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden.
[B]In the absence of Past Grand Officers, these Stewards will support the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden.
[C]If the architect of the building is not a member of the Masonic Fraternity, the Square, Level and Plumb will be carried by a brother appointed for the purpose, who will deliver them to the architect on arriving at the corner-stone.
[C]If the architect of the building is not a member of the Masonic Fraternity, the Square, Level and Plumb will be carried by a brother appointed for the purpose, who will deliver them to the architect on arriving at the corner-stone.
When a procession is composed of other than the officers of the Grand Lodge and Master Masons, it should be formed in the following order:
GRANDMARSHAL.Music.Military.Civic Societies and Organizations.Chief Magistrate, Mayor or other Official Guests.Knights Templar Escort.Grand Lodge.
Should any Masonic body other than those above named appear, they will be assigned an appropriate place in the procession.
A triumphal arch is usually erected near the place where the ceremony is to be performed; and the corner-stone should have engraved on its face the words, "Laid by the Masonic Fraternity," with the date, the year of Masonry, the name of the Grand Master, and such other particulars as may be deemed proper.
When the head of the procession reaches the Arch, it will open to the right and left, facing inward. The Grand Master, uncovering, preceded by the Grand Marshal and Grand Tyler, and followed by the other Grand Officers and the Chief Magistrate and civil officers of the place, will pass through the lines and ascend to the platform. As the Grand Master and others advance, the remainder of the procession will counter-march and surround the platform.
The stone should be suspended about six feetfrom its bed, by a machine having suitable arrangements for slowly lowering it to its place. All being in readiness—
The Grand Master will command silence and address the assembly, announcing the purposes of the occasion, etc., concluding as follows:
The teachings of Freemasonry inculcate, that in all our works, great or small, begun and finished, we should seek the aid of Almighty God. It is our first duty, then, to invoke the blessing of the great Architect of the Universe upon the work in which we are about to engage. I therefore command the utmost silence, and call upon all to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace.
The brethren uncover, while the Grand Chaplain delivers the following, or some other appropriate
Almighty God! who hath given us grace at this time, with one accord, to make our common supplication unto Thee, and dost promise, that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their request; fulfill now, O Lord! the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world, knowledge of Thy truth; and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
The choir may then sing an Ode, or a piece of instrumental music may be performed.
Grand Master: R. W. Brother Grand Treasurer, it has ever been the custom, on occasions like thepresent, to deposit within a cavity in the stone, placed in the north-east corner of the edifice, certain memorials of the period at which it was erected; so that in the lapse of ages, if the fury of the elements, or the slow but certain ravages of time, should lay bare its foundation, an enduring record may be found by succeeding generations, to bear testimony to the energy, industry and culture of our time. Has such a deposit been prepared?
Grand Treasurer: It has, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the various articles of which it is composed are safely enclosed within the casket now before you.
Grand Master: R. W. Grand Secretary, you will read for the information of the brethren and others here assembled, a record of the contents of the casket.
Grand Secretary reads a list of the articles contained in the casket.
Grand Master: R. W. Grand Treasurer, you will now deposit the casket in the cavity beneath the corner-stone, and may the Great Architect of the Universe, in His wisdom, grant that ages on ages shall pass away ere it again be seen of men.
Grand Treasurer, assisted by the Grand Secretary, will place the casket in the cavity prepared, and report:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, your orders have been duly executed.
Principal Architect delivers the working tools to the Grand Master, who retains the Trowel, and presents the Square, Level and Plumb to the DeputyGrand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Warden, respectively, saying:
Right Worshipful Brethren, you will receive the implements of your office. With your assistance and that of the Craft, I will now proceed to lay the corner-stone of this edifice, according to the custom of our Fraternity. Brother Grand Marshal, you will direct the Craftsmen to furnish the cement, and prepare to lower the stone.
The Grand Master will then spread a portion of the cement. The stone is then lowered slowly, during which there should be appropriate music. The Grand Master then says:
R. W. Deputy Grand Master, what is the proper implement of your office?
D. G. Master: The Square.
G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses?
D. G. M.: To square our actions by the rule of virtue, and prove our work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the stone that needs to be proved, and make report.
The Square is applied to the four corners.
D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be square. The Craftsmen have done their duty.
G. M.: R. W. Senior Grand Warden, what is the proper implement of your office?
S. G. W.: The Level.
G. M.: What are its Masonic uses?
S. G. W.: Morally, it teaches Equality; and by it we prove our work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report.
Level is applied to the top surface.
S. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be level. The Craftsmen have done their duty.
G. M.: R. W. Junior Warden, what is the proper implement of your office?
J. G. W.: The Plumb.
G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses?
J. G. W.: Morally, it teaches rectitude of conduct; and by it we prove our work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report.
The Plumb is applied to the sides of the stone.
J. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be plumb. The Craftsmen have done their duty.
Grand Master (striking the stone three times with his gavel), says:
This corner-stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry. I find that the Craftsmen have skillfully and faithfully done their duty; and I do declare the stone to be well formed and trusty, truly laid, and correctly proved according to the rules of our Ancient Craft. May the building be conducted and completed amid the blessings of Plenty, Health and Peace.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Grand Master: Brother Grand Marshal, you will present the elements of consecration to the proper officers.
Grand Marshal presents vessel of corn to the D. G. M.; the wine to the S. G. W.; and the oil to the J. G. W.
Deputy Grand Master advances with the corn, scattering it on the stone, and says:
I scatter this corn as an emblem of Plenty; may the blessings of bounteous Heaven be showered upon us, and upon all like patriotic and important undertakings, and inspire the hearts of the people with virtue, wisdom and gratitude.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Senior Grand Warden advances with the vessel of wine, pouring it on the stone, and says:
I pour this wine as an emblem of Joy and Gladness. May the great Ruler of the Universe bless and prosper our National, State and City Governments; preserve the union of the States in harmony and brotherly love, which shall endure through all time.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Junior Warden advances with the vessel of oil, pouring it on the stone, saying:
I pour this oil as an emblem of Peace; may its blessings abide with us continually; and may the Grand Master of Heaven and Earth shelter and protect the widow and orphan, and vouchsafe to them, and to the bereaved, the afflicted and sorrowing, everywhere, the enjoyment of every good and perfect gift.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Grand Master, extending his hands, pronounces thefollowinginvocation:
May corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life, abound among men throughout the world. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon this undertaking. May He protect the workmen from every accident. May the structure here to be erected, be planned with Wisdom, supported by Strength, and adorned in Beauty, and may it be preserved to the latest ages, a monument to the energy and liberality of its founders.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Grand Master: (Addressing Architect.) Worthy sir (or brother), having thus, as Grand Master of Masons, laid the corner-stone of the structure, I now return to you these implements of Operative Masonry (presents Square, Level and Plumb), having full confidence in your skill and capacity to perform the important duties confided to you, to the satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with their fulfillment.
The G. M. strikes the stone three times with the gavel, and the public grand honors are given.
The Grand Master will then make report of his doings, as follows:
I have the honor to report, that in compliance with the request of the proper authorities, the corner-stone of the ...... building to be erected on this site, has been laid successfully, with the ancient ceremonies of the Craft. The Brother Grand Marshal will therefore make the proclamation.
Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most WorshipfulGrand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Arkansas, I now proclaim that the corner-stone of the structure to be erected, has this day been found true and trusty, and laid according to the old customs, by the Grand Master of Masons.
Glory be to God on High, and on earth peace, good will toward men! O Lord, we most heartily beseech Thee with Thy favor to behold and bless this assemblage; pour down Thy mercies, like the dew that falls upon the mountains, upon Thy servants engaged in the solemn ceremonies of this day. Bless, we pray Thee, all the workmen who shall be engaged in the erection of this edifice; keep them from all forms of accidents and harm; grant them in health and prosperity to live; and finally, we hope, after this life, through Thy mercy and forgiveness to attain everlasting joy and felicity in Thy bright mansion, in Thy holy temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
After which, the Grand Lodge, with escort, returns to the place whence it started, and is closed.
The Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, return to their respective halls.
At the time appointed for the celebration of the ceremony of dedication, the Grand Master and his officers, accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a convenient room, near to the place where the ceremony is to be performed, and the Grand Lodge is opened in ample form.
The procession is then formed, under direction of the Grand Marshal, when the Grand Lodge moves to the hall to be dedicated, in the following order:
Music;Tiler, with drawn sword;Stewards, with white rods;Master Masons;Grand Secretaries;Grand Treasurers;A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square and Compass, supported by two Stewards, with rods;Two Burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters;Chaplain and Orator;Past Grand Wardens;Past Deputy Grand Masters;Past Grand Masters;The Globes;Junior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with corn;Senior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with wine;Deputy Grand Master, carrying a golden vessel with oil;The Lodge, Covered with white linen, carried by four Brethren;Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying Book of Constitutions;Grand Master, Supported by two Deacons, withrods.
When the Grand Officers arrive at the center of the Lodge room, the Grand honors are given.
The Grand Officers then repair to their respective stations.
The Lodge is placed in front of the altar, toward the East, and the gold and silver vessels and lights are placed around it.
These arrangements being completed, the following or some other appropriate Ode is sung:
Master Supreme! accept our praise;Still bless this consecrated band;Parent of light! illume our ways,And guide us by thy sovereign hand.May Faith, Hope, Charity, divine,Here hold their undivided reign;Friendship and Harmony combineTo soothe our cares—to banish pain.May pity dwell within each breast,Relief attend the suffering poor;Thousands by this, our Lodge, be blest,Till worth, distress'd, shall want no more.
Master Supreme! accept our praise;Still bless this consecrated band;Parent of light! illume our ways,And guide us by thy sovereign hand.
May Faith, Hope, Charity, divine,Here hold their undivided reign;Friendship and Harmony combineTo soothe our cares—to banish pain.
May pity dwell within each breast,Relief attend the suffering poor;Thousands by this, our Lodge, be blest,Till worth, distress'd, shall want no more.
The Master of the Lodge to which the hall to be dedicated belongs, then rises, and addresses the Grand Master as follows:
Most Worshipful: The brethren of ...... Lodge, being animated with a desire to promote the honor and interest of the Craft, have erecteda Masonic Hall, for their convenience and accommodation. They are desirous that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; and if it should meet their approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form and usage.
The Architect or Brother who has had the management of the structure then addresses the Grand Master as follows:
Most Worshipful: Having been entrusted with the superintendence and management of the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice; and having, according to the best of my ability, accomplished the task assigned me, I now return my thanks for the honor of this appointment, and beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my care, when the foundation of this fabric was laid, (presenting to the Grand Master the Square, Level and Plumb), humbly hoping that the exertions which have been made on this occasion will be crowned with your approbation, and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
To which the Grand Master replies:
Brother Architect: The skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust reposed in you at the commencement of this undertaking, have secured the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge; and they sincerely pray that this edifice may continue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit, and liberality of its founders.
The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says:
Most Worshipful: The hall in which we are now assembled, and the plan upon which it hasbeen constructed, having met with your approbation, it is the desire of the Fraternity that it should be now dedicated, according to ancient form and usage.
The Lodge is then uncovered, and a procession is made around it in the following form, during which solemn music is played.
Grand Tiler, with drawn sword;A Past Master, with light;A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compass, on a velvet cushion;Two Past Masters, each with a light;Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with emblems;Grand Junior Warden, with vessel of corn;Grand Senior Warden, with vessel of wine;Deputy Grand Master, with vessel of oil;Grand Master;Two Stewards, with rods.
When the procession arrives at the East, it halts; the music ceases, and the Grand Chaplain makes the following
Almighty and ever-glorious and gracious Lord God, Creator of all things, and Governor of everything Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants, now assembled in Thy name and in Thy presence, and bless and prosper all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee. Graciously bestow upon us Wisdom, in all our doings; Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony and holiness in all our communications and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and Charity the fruit of our obedience to Thy revealed will.
May all the proper work of our institution that may be done in this house be such as Thy wisdom may approve and Thy goodness prosper. And, finally, graciously be pleased, O Thou Sovereign Architect of the Universe, to bless the Craft,wheresoeverdispersed, and make them true and faithful to Thee, to their neighbor, and to themselves. And when the time of our labor is drawing near to an end, and the pillar of our strength is declining to the ground, graciously enable us to pass through the "valley of the shadow of death," supported by Thy rod and Thy staff, to those mansions beyond the skies where love, and peace, and joy forever reign before Thy throne. Amen.
Response: So mote it be!
All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in singing the Ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication.
Tune—Old Hundred.
Genius of Masonry, descend,And with thee bring thy spotless train,Constant our sacred rites attend,While we adore thy peaceful reign.
Genius of Masonry, descend,And with thee bring thy spotless train,Constant our sacred rites attend,While we adore thy peaceful reign.
The first procession being made around the Lodge, the Grand Master having reached the East, the Grand Junior Warden presents the vessel of Corn to the G. Master, saying:
Most Worshipful: In the dedications of Masonic Halls, it has been of immemorial custom to pour corn upon the Lodge, as an emblem of nourishment. I, therefore, present you this vessel of corn, to be employed by youaccordingto ancient usage.
The Grand Master then, striking thrice with his mallet pours the corn upon the Lodge, saying:
In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry.
The grand honors are given.
Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid!Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here;While social Mirth shall lend her aidTo soothe the wrinkled brow of Care.
Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid!Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here;While social Mirth shall lend her aidTo soothe the wrinkled brow of Care.
The second procession is then made around the Lodge, and the Grand Senior Warden presents the vessel of wine to the Grand Master, saying:
Most Worshipful: Wine, the emblem of refreshment, having been used by our ancient brethren in the dedication and consecration of their Lodges, I present you this vessel of wine, to be used on the present occasion according to ancient Masonic form.
The Grand Master then sprinkles the wine upon the Lodge, saying:
In the name of the holy Saints John, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Virtue.
The grand honors are twice repeated.
Bring Charity! with goodness crowned,Encircled in thy heavenly robe!Diffuse thy blessings all around,To every corner of the Globe!
Bring Charity! with goodness crowned,Encircled in thy heavenly robe!Diffuse thy blessings all around,To every corner of the Globe!
The third procession is then made round the Lodge, and the Deputy Grand Master presents the vessel of oil to the Grand Master, saying:
Most Worshipful: I present you, to be used according to ancient custom, this vessel of oil, an emblem of that joy which should animate everybosom on the completion of every important undertaking.
The Grand Master then sprinkles the oil upon the Lodge, saying:
In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Universal Benevolence.
The grand honors are thrice repeated.
To Heaven's high Architect all praise,All praise, all gratitude be given,Who deigned the human soul to raise,By mystic secrets, sprung from Heaven.
To Heaven's high Architect all praise,All praise, all gratitude be given,Who deigned the human soul to raise,By mystic secrets, sprung from Heaven.
The Grand Chaplain, standing before the Lodge, then makes the following
And may the Lord, the giver of every good and perfect gift, bless the brethren here assembled, in all their lawful undertakings, and grant to each one of them, in needful supply, the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
The Lodge is then covered, and the Grand Master retires to his chair.
The following or an appropriate original oration may then be delivered, and the ceremonies conclude with music:
Brethren: The ceremonies we have performed are not unmeaning rites, nor the amusing pageants of an idle hour, but have a solemn and instructive import. Suffer me to point it out to you, and to impress upon your minds the ennobling sentiments they are so well adapted to convey.
This Hall, designed and built by Wisdom, supportedby Strength, and adorned in Beauty, we are first to consecrate in the name of the great Jehovah; which teaches us, in all our works, begun and finished, to acknowledge, adore, and magnify Him. It reminds us, also, in His fear to enter the door of the Lodge, to put our trust in him while passing its trials, and to hope in Him for the reward of its labors.
Let, then, its altar be devoted to His service, and its lofty arch resound with His praise! May the eye which seeth in secret witness here the sincere and unaffected piety which withdraws from the engagements of the world to silence and privacy, that it may be exercised with less interruption and less ostentation.
Our march round the Lodge reminds us of the travels of human life, in which Masonry is an enlightened, a safe, and a pleasant path. Its tesselated pavement of Mosaic-work intimates to us the chequered diversity and uncertainty of human affairs. Our step is time; our progression, eternity.
Following our ancient Constitutions, with mystic rites we dedicate this Hall to the honor of Freemasonry.
Our best attachments are due to the Craft. In its prosperity, we find our joy; and, in paying it honor, we honor ourselves. But its worth transcends our encomiums, and its glory will outsound our praise.
Brethren: It is our pride that we have our names on the records of Freemasonry. May it be our high ambition that they should shed a luster on the immortal page!
The hall is also dedicated to Virtue.
This worthy appropriation will always be duly regarded while the moral duties which our sublime lectures inculcate, with affecting and impressive pertinency, are cherished in our hearts and illustrated in our lives.
As Freemasonry aims to enliven the spirit of Philanthropy, and promote the cause of Charity, so we dedicate this Hall to Universal Benevolence; in the assurance that every brother will dedicate his affections and his abilities to the same generous purpose; that while he displays a warm and cordial affection to those who are of the Fraternity, he will extend his benevolent regards and good wishes to the whole family of mankind.
Such, my brethren, is the significant meaning of the solemn rites we have just performed, because such are the peculiar duties of every Lodge. I need not enlarge upon them now, nor show how they diverge, as rays from a center, to enlighten, to improve, and to cheer the whole circle of life. Their import and their application is familiar to you all. In their knowledge and their exercise may you fulfill the high purposes of the Masonic Institution.
How many pleasing considerations, my brethren, attend the present interview! While in almost every other association of men, political animosities, contentions, and wars interrupt the progress of Humanity and the cause of Benevolence, it is our distinguished privilege to dwell together in peace, and engage in plans to perfect individual and social happiness. While in many other nations our Order is viewed by politicians with suspicion, and by the ignorant with apprehension, in this country itsmembers are too much respected, and its principles too well known, to make it the object of jealousy or mistrust. Our private assemblies are unmolested; and our public celebrations attract a more general approbation of the Fraternity. Indeed, its importance, its credit, and, we trust, its usefulness, are advancing to a height unknown in any former age. The present occasion gives fresh evidence of the increasing affection of its friends; and this noble apartment, fitted up in a style of such elegance and convenience, does honor to Freemasonry, as well as reflects the highest credit on the respectable Lodge for whose accommodation and at whose expense it is erected.
We offer our best congratulations to the Worshipful Master, Wardens, Officers, and Members of ...... Lodge. We commend their zeal, and hope it will meet with the most ample recompense. May their Hall be the happy resort of Piety, Virtue, and Benevolence! May it be protected from accident, and long remain a monument of their attachment to Freemasonry! May their Lodge continue to flourish; their union to strengthen; and their happiness to abound!—And when they, and we all, shall be removed from the labors of the earthly Lodge, may we be admitted to the brotherhood of the perfect, in the building of God, the Hall not made with hands, eternal in the heavens!
The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at first, returns to the room where it was opened, and is closed in ample form.
1. No Freemason can be buried with the formalities of the Fraternity unless it be at his own request or that of some of his family, communicated to the Master of the Lodge of which he was a member at the time of his death, foreigners or sojourners excepted; nor unless he has received the Master Mason degree; and to this rule there can be no exception.
2. Fellow Crafts or Entered Apprentices are not entitled to these obsequies, nor can they be allowed in the procession, as Masons, at a Masonic funeral.
3. The Master of the Lodge, having received notice of the death of a brother (the deceased having attained the degree of Master Mason), and of his request to be buried with the ceremonies of the Craft, fixes the day and hour for the funeral (unless previously arranged by the friends or relatives of the deceased), and issues his order to the Secretary to summon the Lodge. Members of other Lodges may be invited, but they should join with the Lodge performing the ceremonies.
4. Upon the death of a sojourner who had expressed a wish to be buried with Masonic ceremonies, the duties prescribed in Article 3 will devolve upon the Master of the Lodge within whosejurisdiction the death may have occurred, unless there be more than one Lodge in the place; and if so the funeral service will be performed by the oldest Lodge, unless otherwise mutually arranged.
5. Whenever other societies or the military unite with Masons in the burial of a Mason, the body of the deceased must be in charge of the Lodge having jurisdiction, and the services should, in all respects, be conducted as if none but Masons were present.
6. If the deceased was a Grand or Past Grand Officer the Officers of the Grand Lodge should be invited; when the Master of the Lodge having jurisdiction will invite the Grand Officer present who has attained the highest rank to conduct the burial service.
7. The pallbearers should be Masons, and should be selected by the Master, with the approval of the family of the deceased. If the deceased was a member of a Chapter or other Masonic body, a portion of the pallbearers should be taken from these bodies severally.
8. The proper clothing to be worn at a Masonic funeral is black or dark clothes, a black necktie, white gloves, and a white apron, and a sprig of evergreen on the left breast. The Master's gavel, the Wardens' columns, the Deacons' and Stewards' rods, the Tiler's sword and the Marshal's baton, should be trimmed with black crape. The officers of the Lodge and Grand Officers should wear their official jewels.
9. As soon as the remains are placed in the coffin there should be placed upon it a plain white lambskin apron.
10. If a Past or Present Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Warden, should join the procession of a Lodge, proper attention must be paid to them. They take place after the Master of the Lodge. Two Deacons, with white rods, should be appointed by the Master to attend them.
11. When the head of the procession shall have arrived at the place of interment, or where the services are to be performed, the lines should be opened, and the highest officer in rank, preceded by the Marshal and Tiler, pass through, and the others follow in order.
12. Upon arriving at the entrance to the cemetery, the brethren should march in open order to the tomb or grave. If the body is to be placed in the former, the Tiler should take his place in front of the open door, and the lines be spread so as to form a circle. The coffin should be deposited within the circle, and the Stewards and Deacons should cross their rods over it. The bearers should take their places on either side—the mourners at the foot of the coffin, and the Master and other officers at the head. After the coffin has been placed in the tomb, the Stewards should cross their rods over the door and the Deacons over the Master. If the body is to be deposited in the earth, an oblong square should be formed around the grave, the body being placed on rests over it; the Stewards should cross their rods over the foot, and the Deacons the head, and retain their places throughout the services.
13. After the clergymen shall have performed the religious services of the church, the Masonic services should begin.
14. When a number of Lodges join in a funeral procession, the position of the youngest Lodge is at the head, or right, of the procession, and the oldest at the end, or left, excepting that the Lodge of which deceased was a member walks nearest the corpse.
15. A Lodge in procession is to be strictly under the discipline of the Lodge room; therefore no brother can enter the procession or leave it without express permission from the Master, conveyed through the Marshal. The Lodge is open and not at refreshment.
The brethren having assembled at the lodge room, the Lodge will be opened briefly on the Third Degree; the purpose of the communication must be stated, and remarks upon the character of the deceased may be made by the Master and brethren, when the service will commence, all the brethren standing:
Master: What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the land of the grave?
S. W.: His days are as grass; as a flower of the field so he flourisheth.
J. W.: For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
M.: Where is now our departed brother?
S. W.: He dwelleth in night; he sojourneth in darkness.
J. W.: Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.
M.: When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him.
S. W.: For he brought nothing into the world, and it is certain he can carry nothing out.
J. W.: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
M.: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
S. W.: God is our salvation; our glory and the rock of our strength; and our refuge is in God.
J. W.: He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
M.: Can we offer any precious gift acceptable in the sight of the Lord to redeem our brother?
S. W.: We are poor and needy. We are without gift or ransom.
J. W.: Be merciful unto us, O Lord, be merciful unto us; for we trust in Thee. Our hope and salvation are in Thy patience. Where else can we look for mercy?
M.: Let us endeavor to live the life of the righteous, that our last end may be like his.
S. W.: The Lord is gracious and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
J. W.: God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide, even unto death.
M.: Shall our brother's name and virtues be lost upon the earth forever?
Response: We will remember and cherish them in our hearts.
M.: I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me: "Write from henceforth, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord! Even so, saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labors."
Here the Master will take the Sacred Roll (a sheet of parchment or paper prepared for the purpose), on which have been inscribed the name, age, date of initiation or affiliation, date of death, and any matters that may be interesting to the brethren, and shall read the same aloud, and shall then say:
Almighty Father! in Thy hands we leave, with humble submission, the soul of our departed brother.
Response; Amen! So mote it be.
The Masonic funeral honors should then be given once; the brethren to respond:
The will of God is accomplished. Amen. So mote it be!
The Master should then deposit the Roll in the archives of the Lodge.
The following or some appropriate Hymn may be sung:
Ode—Air, Balerma. C. M.