Part 16 (2/2)

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

Consecration Prayer.

Almighty and ever-glorious and gracious Lord G.o.d, Creator of all things, and Governor of everything Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants, now a.s.sembled 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 inst.i.tution 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, wheresoever dispersed, 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 pa.s.s 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 a.s.sist in singing the Ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication.

Song.

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.

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 Wors.h.i.+pful: 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 you according to 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 Friends.h.i.+p here; While social Mirth shall lend her aid To 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 Wors.h.i.+pful: 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.

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