Part 12 (2/2)

The officers and members of the new Lodge form in front of the G. M. and the business of consecration commences.

The G. M. and grand officers form around the Lodge, all kneeling.

A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is being uncovered, after which the first clause of the consecration prayer is rehea.r.s.ed by the Grand Chaplain, as follows:

Great Architect of the Universe; Maker and Ruler of all worlds. Deign from Thy Celestial Temple, from the realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present a.s.sembly. We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this, and at all times, Wisdom in all our doings, Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony in all our communications. Permit us, O Thou author of life and light, great source of love and happiness, solemnly to consecrate this Lodge to Thy honor and glory. 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.

The Grand Officers will then rise.

Consecration.

The Deputy Grand Master will step forward and present the Vessel of Corn (wheat) to the Grand Master, who sprinkles a portion of it upon the symbol of the Lodge, saying:

May the Giver of every good and perfect gift strengthen this Lodge in all its philanthropic undertakings.

The following may then be sung:

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 above They built, with wors.h.i.+p sin to foil, On threshold and on corner-stone They 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.

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 rehea.r.s.e the remaining portion of the consecration prayer:

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