NOL
The freemason's universal monitor

Chapter 31

XV. You agree that no visitor shall be received

into your Lodge without due examination, and pro- ducing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular Lodge.
These are the regulations of Free and Accepted Masons. Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these regulations, as Masters have done in all ages before you?
The Master answers "I do."
The Worshipful Master will then direct the Marshal to invest aim with the insignia of his office, and the furniture and im-
136 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
piemen ts of the Lodge, after which he will address him as fol- lows:
Brother: — In consequence of your cheerful con- formity to the charges and regulations of the Order, you are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern the same.
The various implements of the profession are em- blematical of our conduct in life, and, upon occasions like this, are carefully enumerated.
The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth ; it will direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our action by the rule and line, and harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station; that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted.
The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty ; press forward in the path of virtue, and neither inclining to the right nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to a glo- rious immortality.
The Booh of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none
INSTALLATION. 137
may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.
You now receive in charge the Charter, by the au- thority of which this Lodge is held. You are care- fully to preserve, and in no case should it ever be out of your immediate control, and duly transmit it to your successor in office.
You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punc- tually executed.
The Marshal will now invest each of the remaining officers elect with the insignia of his office, and then severally introduce them to the Worshipful Master, who will deliver to each the appropriate charge of his office, as follows :
THE SENIOR WARDEN.
Brother: — You are elected Senior Warden of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office.
The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no emi- nence of station should make us forget that we are brethren ; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, may be entitled to our regard ; because a time will come, and the wisest know not
138 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
how soon, when all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease, and death, that great leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
Your regular attendance on our stated communi- cations is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master, you are to govern the Lodge; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry, and attachment to the Lodge for the faithful dis- charge of the duties of this important trust. — Look well to the West,
THE JUNIOR WARDEN.
Brother : — You are elected Junior Warden of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office.
The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to hold the scale of justice in equal poise; and to make our passions and prejudices coin- cide with the line of our duty.
To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft during the hours of refreshment; it is there- fore indispensably necessary that you should not only be temperate and discreet, in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that none of
INSTALLATION. 139
the Craft be suffered to convert the purposes of re- freshment into intemperance and excess.
Your regular and punctual attendance is particu- larly requested ; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment. Look well to the South.
THE TREASURER.
Brother: — You are elected Treasurer of this Lodge. It is your duty to receive all moneys from the nands of the Secretary, keep just and regular accounts of the same, and pay them out at the Worshipful Mas- ter's will and pleasure, with the consent of the Lodge. I trust your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office.
THE SECRETARY.
Brother : — You are elected Secretary of this Lodge. It is your duty to observe the Worshipful Master's
140 UNIVERSAL MONARCH.
will and pleasure; to record the proceedings of the Lodge; to receive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay them into the hands of the Treasurer, taking his re- ceipt for the same.
Your good inclination to Masonry, and this Lodge, I hope, will induce you to discharge the duties of your office with fidelity ; and, by so doing, you will merit the esteem and applause of your brethren.
CHAPLAIN.
G. M. (or Inst. Off.) Reverend Brother, you are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, and will now be in- vested with the badge of your office.
It is your duty to perform those solemn services which we should constantly render to our infinite Cre- ator; and which, when offered by one whose holy pro- fession is "to point to heaven and lead the way," may, by refining our souls, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into the society of those above, whose happiness will be as end- less as it is perfect.
He is conducted to his proper station.
The Chaplain is a recognized officer in many Lodges, ap- pointed annually by the Master to assist him in performing
INSTALLATION 141
religious services. Notwithstanding the Master possesses all the sacerdotal rights necessary to be used in the ritualistic cer- emonies of the Order, yet it is often advisable to invite a clergy- man, who is a Mason, to read the Scriptural lessons incident to the ceremonies, using none but the prescribed forms. His station is in the East, in front and on the left of the Master ; his jewel is an open Bible, suspended oyer the breast from a white scarf.
SENIOR AND JUNIOR DEACONS.
Brethren: — You are elected Deacons of this Lodge. It is your province to attend on the Master and War- dens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge; such as the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry, the introduction and accommodation of visitors, and in the immediate prac- tice of our rites. The Square and Compasses, as badges of your office, I intrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.
THE STEWARDS.
Brethren: — You are elected Stewards of this Lodge. The duties of your office are, to assist in the collection
142 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
of dues and subscriptions ; to keep an account of the Lodge expenses ; and generally to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their duties.
THE TYLER.
Brother : — You are elected Tyler of this Lodge, and I invest you with the implement of your office. As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler to enable him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass but such as are duly qualified, so it should morally serve as a constant admonition to us, to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts ; to place a •vatch at the door of our lips; and to post a sentinel c?ver our actions : thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought, word, and deed ; and preserv- ing consciences void of offense toward God and toward man.
Your early and punctual attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal for the institution.
The Worshipful Master will then call up the Lodge, and ad- dress the officers and members, as follows :
CHARGE TO THE MASTER.
Worshipful Master: — Being elected Master of this Lodge, you can not be insensible to the obliga-
INSTALLATION. 143
iioQS which devolve on you as its head, nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the im- portant duties annexed to your station.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge, will materially depend on the skill and assi- duity with which you manage its concerns ; while the happiness of its members will be generally pro- moted in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine principles of our institution.
For a pattern of imitation, consider the great lumi- nary of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle. In like manner, it is your province to spread and com- municate light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dig- nity and high importance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which are taught in it; and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution ; so that, when any one is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows j to whom distress may prefer its suit : whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the By-laws of your Lodge, the Constitutions of Ma- sonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to your faith and practice, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor
144 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time shall be no more.
CHARGE TO SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDENS.
Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens : — You are too well acquainted with the principles of Masonry to warrant any distrust that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your respective duties ; suffice it to mention, that what you have seen praise- worthy in others, you should carefully imitate ; and what in them may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves amend. You should be examples of good order and regularity ; for it is only by a due re- gard to the laws in your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are as- siduously to assist the Master in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under your care. In the ab- sence of the Master, you will succeed to higher duties ; your acquirements must, therefore, be such as that the Craft may never suffer for want of proper instruc- tion. From the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that your future con- duct will be such as to merit the applause of your brethren and the testimony of a good conscience.
The Worshipful Master now delivers to the Lodge the fol- lowing
CHARGE.
Brethren of — Lodge, No. — : Such is the
nature of our Constitution, that as some must of
INSTALLATION. 145
necessity rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge, are sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety, and the laws of the institution, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are intrusted ; and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the grand design of being happy, and communi- cating happiness.
Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected with so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford: May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your con- duct as men, and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls, may your children's children celebrate, with joy and gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unim- paired, from generation to generation.
Response— So mote it be.
The Lodge is seated, and the officers installed will retire to their several stations. The Marshal will make the following
PROCLAMATION.
In the name and by the authority of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge of the State of — , I pro-
146
UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
claim the officers of Lodge, No
elected and installed, this 18—, A. L. 58—.
— , to be dulv day of , A. D.
The members of the (new) Lodge will now form a procession, pass around the Lodge, signify their respect and obedience by the usual distinctive marks in the different degrees. During which, the following installation ode will be sung:*
INSTALLATION.
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• If the installation is performed in public, this as well as other private ceremonies will be omitted.
INSTALLATION.
147
Great fabrics still arise, And grace the azure skies ;
Great are thy schemes; Thy Doble orders are Matchless beyond compare ; No art with thee can share,
Thou Art divine.
Hiram, the Architect, Did all the Craft direct
How they should build : Sol'mon, great Israel's king, Did mighty blessings bring, And left us room to sing.
Hail, royal Art!
BENEDICTION.
May truth and justice be the adorning jewels illus- trative of our Masonic character : brotherly love pre- vail within the circumference of our circle; harmony ever reign supreme in the abodes of our sanctuary, and Heaven's blessing rest upon this Lodge and all regular assemblies of Masons. Amen.
Response — So mote it be.
10
148 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Section Third.
CEREMONY TO BE OBSERVED AT THE DEDICATION OF FREEMASONS' HALLS.
On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his officers, ac- companied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a con- venient room near the place where the ceremony is to be per- formed, and open in due and ample form, on the Third Degree of Masonry.
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to form a procession in the following order, viz., when it moves forward to the Hall to be dedicated.
Music ; Grand Tyler, with drawn sword ; Grand Stewards, with white rods ; Grand Secretary and Treasurer ; A Burning Taper, borne by a Past Master ; A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square, and Com- passes, 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 ; Junior and Senior Grand Wardens, the former carrying a Silve) Vessel of Corn, and the latter a Silver Vessel of Wine ; Deputy Grand Master, carrying a Golden Vessel of Oil ; The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of Constitutions ; Grand Master, supported by two Deacons, with rods ; Grand Standard Bearer; Grand Sword Bearer, with drawn sword ; Two Stewards, with white rods.
On entering, the music will continue while the procession marches three times round the Hall, the Lodge, or flooring hav- ing been previously placed in front, in the East, and cov ered.
The Grand Master and the Grand officers now retire to their respective stations, and the Master and Wardens of the Lodge to the places assigned them for the time being.
DEDICATING FREEMASONS' HALLS. 149
The three Lights, and the Golden and Silver Vessels of Corn, Wine and Oil, are placed round the Lodge, and the Altar, with the Holy Bible open, and the Square and Compasses laid there- on, with the Charter, Book of Constitutions, and the By-laws.
The following anthem is now sung :
Air— Peterboro \
Whilst science yields a thousand lights
To irradiate the mind, Let us that noblest art pursue,
Which dignifies mankind.
The pompous dome, the gorgeous hall, The temple's cloud-capt tower,
The Masons' glory shall proclaim Till time's remotest hour.
Ideal fabrics to uprear,
Some men think all our art; But little think what plans we drew
To form an upright heart.
Our plumb we poise, and clear each clog> That hangs about the string;
And each unruly passion's flight Within due compass bring.
The Good Samaritan we prove To all, and every-where ;
(jpon the level here we meet, And part upon the square.
150 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Upon this rock we'll stand when worlds
T' oblivion all shall tend; Our brethren as ourselves we love ;
To all mankind a friend.
The Master of the Lodge, to which the Hall to be dedicated belongs, now rises and addresses the Grand Master as follows :
Most Worshipful : — The brethren of Lodge,
No. — , being animated with a desire of promoting the honor and interest of the Craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a Masonic Hall for their conven- ience and accommodation. They are now desirous that the same should be examined by the M. W. Grand Lodge, and if it meet their approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form.
The Architect then addresses the Grand Master, as follows :
Most Worshipful : — Having been intrusted with the superintendence and management of the workmen em- ployed in the erection 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 surren- der up the implements which were committed to my care when the foundation of this fabric was laid ; 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.
DEDICATING FREEMASONS' HALLS. 151
To which the Grand Master makes the following reply :
Brother Architect : — The skill and fidelity dis- played in the execution of the trust reposed in you at the commencement of this undertaking, have se- cured the approbation of the Grand Lodge ; and they sincerely pray, that this edifice may continue a last- ing 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 has been con- structed, having met with your approbation, it is the desire of the Fraternity that it should now be dedi- cated according to ancient form and usage.
The Lodge is now uncovered.
The brethren all standing, the Grand Chaplain offers the fol- lowing—
PRAYER.
Almighty Father of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, whose works are founded in infinite Wisdom, established upon immutable Truths, and harmoniously clothed in the vesture of Beauty and loveliness. It is before thee, heavenly Father, we humbly come, and unto thee that we desire to put forth our supplications in acknowledgment of thy un- bounded mercy and goodness, and express our grati- tude to thee as the recipients of the many favors and blessings thou hast most graciously been pleased to bestow upon us.
152
TNIVEKSAL MONITOR.
We desire now to invoke thy divine blessing upon our present assembling, to encourage our labors, and imbue us with that spirit of love which should ever prevail among thy intelligent creatures. May we look unto thee for wisdom to guide us in all laudable doings, strength to support us under the trials we are called to endure, and purity of heart as the ornament to beautify our lives.
May the pure spirit of brotherly love reign supreme within our affections, cheerful relief be speedily ad- ministered to the needy and afflicted, the arm of friend- ship ever ready to sustain a sinking brother, and the attribute of divine truth be the foundation of all our actions. Bless, we most humbly beseech thee, the labors of this Lodge, and the members of our Frater- nity wherever dispersed around the world; and may brother ever hail brother in the bonds of fraternal love.
May our Faith be firmly established in thee, our Hope lead us to a realization of thy promises, and our Charity consecrate and dedicate our lives to thee, thy glory, and thy honor, now and for evermore. Amen.
Response — So mote it be.
The brethren are seated.
The Grand Master now directs a procession to be formed, front' Ing the east, in the following order :
Grand Tyler with Drawn Sword ;
Grand Sword Bearer;
A Past Master with a Light ;
A Past Master with the Bible, Square, and Compasses,
on a velvet cushion ;
Two Past Masters, each with a Light;
DEDICATION. 153
Grand Secretary and Treasurer with Emblems ;
Junior and Senior Grand Wardens— the former with a vessel of
Corn, and the latter with a vessel of Wine;
Deputy Grand Master with a vessel of Oil ;
Grand Master;
Two Stewards with Rods.
The Lodge is now called up, the brethren keep their places, and assist in performing the ode.
DEDICATION.
The first verse is now sung whilst the procession remain standing:
AIR— 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 Grand Master, saying :
Most Worshipful, in the dedication 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 em- ployed 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.
154 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Bring with thee, Virtue I brightest maid;
Bring Love and Truth and Friendship here ; While social mirth shall lend her aid,
To soothe the wrinkled brow of care.
The second procession is then rnade 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 dedi- cation and consecration of their Lodge, 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 the heavenly robe I 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 ac- cording to ancient custom, this vessel of oil, an emblem of that joy which should animate every bosom 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.
DEDICATION. 155
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.
The Grand Chaplain, standing before the Lodge, then makes the following
INVOCATION.
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 hy the Brethren. — So mote it be.
The Lodge is then covered, and the Grand Master returns to his chair.
An oration is then delivered, and the ceremonies conclude with music.
The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at first and returns to the room where it was opened, and is closed in ample form.
156 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Section Fourth.
LAYING FOUNDATION STONES.
This ceremony is conducted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his Officers, assisted by such officers and members of subordinate Lodges as can conveniently attend. The chief magistrate, and other civil officers of the place where the building is to be erected, also generally attend on the occasion.
At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened in some suitable place. A band of music is provided, and the brethren appear in the insignia of the Order, with white gloves and aprons.
The Grand Lodge is then opened by the G. Master, in the Third degree, and the rules for regulating the procession are read by the Grand Secretary. The Lodge is then called from labor, after which the procession is arranged in the following order : [For order, see form at close of book.]
A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the ceremony is to be performed. The procession passes through the arch ; and the brethren repairing to their stands, the Grand Master and his Officers take their places on a temporary plat- form, covered with carpet. The Grand Master commands silence.
The following or some other ode may be then sung:
When earth's foundation first was laid
By the Almighty Artist's hand, 'T was then our perfect laws were made,
Established by his strict command.
In vain mankind for shelter sought, In vain from place to place did roam,
Until from heaven he was taught To plan, to build, to fix his home.
Nor we less fam'd for every tie
By which the human thought is bound;
Love, truth, and friendship socially Unite our hearts and hands around.
LAYING FOUNDATION STONES. 157
Our actions still by virtue blest,
And to our precepts ever true, The world, admiring, shall request
To learn, and our bright paths pursue.
After which the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on which is engraved the year of Masonry, the name and title of the Grand Master, etc., etc.
The stone is raised up by means of an engine erected for that purpose, and the Grand Chaplain repeats a short prayer.
The Grand Treasurer then, by the Grand Master's command, places under the stone various sorts of coin and medals of the present age. Solemn music is introduced, and the stone let down into its space by three motions.
The principal architect then presents the working tools to the Grand Master, who hands the Square to the Deputy Grand Master, the Level to the Senior Warden, and the Plumb to the Junior Warden. When the Grand Master says :
G. Master. — Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Mas- ter, what is the proper jewel of your office?