SECTION I.

CONSECRATION, DEDICATION, CONSTITUTION, AND INSTAUATION OF OFFICERS OF A NEW LODGE.
Any number of Master Masons, not less than seven, de- sirous of forming a new Lodge, must apply, by j>etition,* to the Grand Master, Deputy Grjuul blaster, or Grand Lodge of the State in which they res;ide, as follows:
• The mcde of applying by pelition to the Grand Manter for a warrant to meet as a reg\ilar Lodge, commeuced only in the year 171S; previous to that time, Lodges were empowered, by inherent privileges vested in the Fraternity at large, to meet and act occasionally under the direction of some able architect; and the proceedings of those meetings being approved by the majority of the brotliren convened at another Lodge assembled In the same district, were deemed constitational. By such an inherent authority the Lodge of Antiqmty in liOudon now acts, having no warrant from any Gnmd Lodge, but an authority traced from time immemorial, whioh has been long and universally admitted and acknowledged by the whole Fratermty tliroughout the world, and which no warrant or othex instrument of any particular Masonic jurisdictir.ii can popsiblj' super iedo.
224 GENERAL AHIMAN EEZON.
FORM OF PETITION FOE A NEW LODGE.
Fo tkt M. W. Grand Master of Masons of ike State of ;
The undersigned petitioners, being Ancient Free and Accepted Master Masons, ha-ving the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuiue principles of Masonry, respectfully represent — That they are desirous of forming a ne-w Lodge in the . . . of , to be named ....... No .... They there- tore pray for Letters of Dispensation, to empower them to assemble as a regular Lodge, to discharge the duties of Masonry, in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order and the regulations of the Grand Lodge. They have nominated and do recommend Brother A. B. to be the first Master ; Brother 0. D. to be the first Senior Warden ; and Brother E. F. to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. If the prayer of this petition shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to the edicts of the Grand Master, and the Constitution, laws, and regulations of the Grand Lodge.*
* This petition, being Bigned by at least seven regular Masons, and recom- mended by a Lodge or Lodges nearest to the place -where the new Lodge is to be holden, is delivered to the Grrand Secretary, who lays it before the G. Lodge,
In many jurisdictions, the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, respectively, are invested with authority to grant dispensationB at pleasure during the recess of the Gwnd Lodge; in some, they are never issued without the special diroc- lion of the Grand Ledge.
Lodges working under dispensation are merely the agents of the G. Lodge or Grand officer granting the authority; their presiding oflacera are not entitled to the rank of Past Masters ; their officers are not privileged with a vote or voice in the Grand Lodge; they cannot change their officers vrithout the special approbation and appointment of the Grand Lodge or Grand olficer grantin'
ANCIENT OEBEMONIES. 225
CONSECRATION.
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and tiis ofQcers, or their representatives, meet in a convenient room, near to that in which the Lodge is to be consecrated, and open the Grand Lodge.
After the officers of the new Lodge are examined, they send a messenger to the Grand Master with the following message:
Most Worshipful : The OflBcers and Brethren
of Lodge, who are now assembled at ,
have instructed me to inform you that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (or Grand Master) was pleased to grant them a Letter of Dispensation,
bearing date the day of , in the year
, authorizing them to form and open a Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons, in the of
the aulhority; and in case of the ceeaatlon of Buch Lodges, their fanda, jewels, and otlicr property accumulated by Initiations Into the several degrees, become the property of the Grand Lodge, and must be delivered over to the O. IVeasurer.
When Lodges that are at first Instituted by dispensation have passed a proper term of probatiou, they malce applicatior to the Grand Lodge for a Charter of Constitution. If this be obtained, they are then confirmed in the possession of their property, and possess all the rights and privileges of regularly-constituted Lodges, as long aa they conform to the Constitutions of Masonry. After a Charter is grautod by the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master appoints a day and hour for consecrating and constituting the new Lodge, and for instaUing its Master, Wardens, and other officers. If the Grand Master, in person, attends til e ceremony, the Lodge is said to be constituted in ample form ; if the Depu ty Grind Master only, it Is said to be constituted in dub fobm; but if the power of performing the ceremony is vested in any other person, it is said to be con- itltuted in form.
When the Charters of Constitution are granted for places where the distance Ifl 80 groat as to render it inconvenient for the Grand Officers to attend, the Grand Master or his Deputy issues a written ii strumcnt, under his hand and private seal, to somi' worthy Present or Past Master, with full power to ctmgro gate, dedicate, and constitute the Lodge, and install its officers.
10*
220 GENERAL AHIMAN EBZON.
....,.; that since that period they have regu- larly assembled, and conducted the business of Masonry according to the best of their abilities that their proceedings having received the ap- probation of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, they have obtained a Charter of Constitution, and are desirous that their Lodge should be consecrated, and their Officers installed, agree ably to the ancient usages and customs of the Craft; for which purpose they are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge then walk in procession to the room of the new Lodge. "When the Grand Master enters, the grand honors* are given, under direction of the Master of the new
* The Grand Honors of Masonry are thoso peculiar acts and gestures by which the Craft have always been accustomed to express their homage, their joy, or their grief, on memorable oceasions. They are of two tinds, the private and public, and each of them are used on different occasions and for different purposes.
The private Grand Honors of Masonry are performed in a manner known only to Master Masons, since they can only be used in a Master's Lodge. They are practiced by the Craft only on four occasions:— when a Masonic Hall is to be consecrated, a new Lodge to be constituted, a Master elect to be installed, or a Grand Master or his Deputy to be received on an official visitation to a Lod^o. They are used at all these ceremonies as tokons of congratulation and homage. And as they can only be given by Master Maoons, it is evident that every conse cration of a hall, or constitution of a new Lodge, every installation of a Worship fill Master, and every reception of a Grand Master, must be done in the third degree. It is also evident, from what has been said, that the mode and mannei of giving the private Grand Honors can only tie personally communicated to Master Masons. They are among the aporreta -the things forbidden to be divulged.
The pubUc Graud Honors, as their name imports, do not pai take of this secret oharactoi They are g .vcn on all pubhc occasions, in the presence of the profanf
ANC3ENT CEREMONIES. 227
Lodp:e. The officers of the new Lodge resign tlieir seats to /he Grand Officers, and take their stations on tiieir loft.
u well as the initiated. They are uaed at the laying of comer-Btones of public bnlldiUcT^, or in other Bervices [n which the mlniBtratioiiB of the Frat required, and especially in fuuerals. They are Kiveu in the follownug manner: Both arms are croBsed on the breast, the left uppermost, and the opi-n i)aim8 of the hands sharply striking the shoulders; they are then raised above tlie head, the palniB stnlciug eacn other, and then made to fall smartly upon the tiiljihs. rhis la repeated three times, and as there are three blows given ea*-h time — namely, on the breast, on the palms of the hands, and on the thit^ha — makiug nine concussions in all, the Grand Honors are technically said to be jjivpn "by three times three." On the occasion of funerals, each oue of these bunora ij accompanied by the words, " T/te will of God is accomplisfud ; so mote U bel' audibly pronounced by the brethren.
These Grand Honors of Masonry have undoubtedly a classical origin, and are but an imitation rf the plaudits and acclamations practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romaue, in their theaters, their senates, and tlielr public games. There is abundant evidence in the writings of the ancients that, in the days of the empire, the Romans had circumscribed the mode of doinfj horaugo to their emperon and great men when they made their appearance in pubhe, and of expressing their approbation of actors at the tlioutre within as explicit rules and regulation! as those that govern the system of giving the Grand Honors in Freemasonry. This was not the case in the earher ages of Rome; for Ovid, speaking of the Sabines, Bays that, when they applauded, they did so without any rules of art:
"In meillo plausu, ptuiiBiiB tano art^ cAiebat."
And Propehtttjs speaks, at a later day, of the Ignorance of the country ppople, who, at the theatres, destroyed the general harmony, by their awkward attempt! to join in the modulated applauses of the more skillful citizens.
The ancient Romans had earrud their science on tliis subjeet to such an extent, as to have divided these honors into three kinds, differing from each other in the mode in which the hands were struck against each other, and in the sound that thence resulted. Suetonius, in his Life of Nkro, (cap. xx.) gives the names of these various kinds of applause, which he says were called bonUn, imbrices, and t€st(B ; and Se^^eca, in his " yaluralts Qtucstiones," gives a descrip- tion of the manner in which they were executed. The "bombi," or hums, were produced by striking the palms of the hands together, while they were in a hollow or concave position, and doing this at frequent intervals, but with Uttle force, so as to Imitate Uie humming sound of a swarm of bees. The " imbrices," or tiles, were made by briskly striking tlie flattened and extended palms of the baDis against each other, so as to resemble the sound of hail pattering upon the tiles of a roof. The " testa," or earthen rases, were executed by striking tha palm of the left hand with the fingers of the right collected into one point. B^ this blow a sound was elicited, which imitated that given out by an earthcj ?aae when struck by a stick.
The Romans and other ancient nations having invested tlii s system of applaud- ing with all the accuracy of a science, us^i it in its various forms, not oiuy foi
228 GENEBAL AHIMAN REZON.
If the ceremonies are performed in publio, tlie Grand Mar jhal then forms the procession iL tlie following order:
Tiler with drawn sword;
Two Stewards, with white rods;
Master Masons, two and two;
Junior Deacons;
Senior Deacons;
Secretaries ;
Treasurers ;
Past Wardens;
Junior Wardens;
Senior Wardens;
Past Masters;
Members of the higher degrees
THE NEW LODGE.
Tiler, with drawn sword; Stewards, with white rods;
Master Masons;
Junior and Senior Deacons;
Secretary and Treasurer;
Two brethren, carrying the Lodge;
Junior and Senior Wardens;
llio floly Writings, carried by the oldest member
not in office.
Worshipful Master;
Oii y^u^poso of testifying their approbation of actors in the theatre, but aleo bestowed It, as a mark of respect or a token of adulation, on their emperorB and other gi 2at men, on the occasisn of their making their appearance in public Huzzas and cheers have, in this latter case, been generally adopted by the tooderns, while the manual applause is only appropriated to successful public speakers and declaimers. The Freemasons, however, have altogether preserved the ancient custom of applause, guarding and regulating its use by as strict, though different rules, as did the Romans; and thus showing, as another evi dence of the antiquity of their institution, that the "Grand Honors" of Free- masonry are legitimately derived from the " plausus " or applaudings practiceO Dy the ancients on public occasions. — Macket's Lexicon of Ftesmasanrji. Sfia Note, p. 33&
ANCIENT CEEEMONIEa 2^29
Mmic.
THE GRAND LODGE;
Grand Tiler, with drawn sword;
Grand Stewards, with white rods;
Grand Pursuivant, with sword;
Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer;
A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square, and
Compasses, supported by two Stewards, with rods;
Two Burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters;
Grand Chaplain and Orator;
The Tuscan and Composite Orders;
The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders;
Past Grand Wardens;
Past Deputy Grand Masters;
Past Grand Masters;
The Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, borne by two brethren
Junior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with oil;
Senior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with wine;
Deputy Grand Master, carrying a golden vessel with corn
Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of
Constitutions;
Grand Master,
Supported by the Grand Deacons, with white rods;
Grand Standard-Bearer;
Grand Sword-Bearer, with drawn sword.
The procession moves on to the church or house where the services are to be performed. When the front of the proces- sion arrives at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward, while the Grand Master and others, in suc- cession, pass through, and enteT the house.
A platform is erected in front of the pnlpit, and provided with seats for the accommodation of the Grand OEScers.
The Bible, Square, and Compasses and Book of Consti-
230
QENEEAL ADIMAN KEZON.
tutions, are placed upon a table in front of the Grand Master; the Lodge* is placed in the center, upon ii platform covered with white linen, and encompassed by the three tapers and the vessels of corn, wine, and oil.
The following services then take place: ooe:. AiE — Shirland. S. M.
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* The Lodge, technically speaking, is a piece of furniture, made in imitalicD of the Ark of tlie Covenaut, which was conBtructed according to the form of the Temple. The instrument usually used on occasions of Constituting, Const*- cratuig, and Dedicating Lodges, is a box, of an oblong-square shape, fX)verod nith white Uutii.
ANCIENT CEREMONIES. 23]
Shine on this festive day,
Succeed its iiojied design, And may our Ciiaiity display
A love resembhiig thiue !
May this fraternal band,
Kow Contecrattd — blest — In union all distinguished stand, In purity be drestl
The following, or an extemporaneous Prayer will be offered by the Grand Chaplain:
Great, Adorable, and Supreme Being! We praise thee for all thy mercies, and especially for giving us desires to enjoy, and powers of enjoy- ing, the delights of society. The alToctions which thou hast implanted in us, and which we cannot destroy without violence to our nature, are among the chief blessings which thy benign wisdom hath bestowed upon us. Help us duly to improve all our powers to the promotion of thy glory in the world, and the good of our fellow-creatures. ]\Iay we be active under thy divine light, and dwell in thy truth.
Extend thy favor to us who are now entering into a Fraternal compact under pecuhar obliga- tions. Enable us to be faithful to thee, faithful in our callings in life, faithful Masons in all the
232
GENERAL AHIMAN EEZON.
duties of the Craft, and faithful to each othe: as members of this society. Take us under the shadow of thy protection; and to thy service and glory may we consecrate our hearts. Mf.y we always put faith in thee, have hope in salvation, and be in charity with aU mankind ! — ^AiiEN.
Response by the brethren. — So mote it be.
An Oration, by some competent brother, when practicable.
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INCTENT CEREMONIES.
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Nor shall the glowing flame expire, When dimly burns frail Nature's fire; Then shall they meet in reahns above, A heaven of joy, a heavec of love.
The Grand Marshal then forms tht officers and members of the new Lodge in front of the Giiind Master. The Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand JNlaster as follows:
Most Worshipful: A number of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled together at stated periods, for some time past, by virtue of a Dispensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be con,' stituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity.
The records are then presented to the Grand Master, who oxamincs them, and, if found correct, proclaims —
234 GENERAL AHIMAN llEZON.
The records appear tc be correct, and are approved. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted the brethren of this new Lodge a Warrant, establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly- constituted Lodge; which the Grand Secretary wiU now read.
After the Warrant is read, the Grand Master then says:
We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regu- lar Lodge.
Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to tlieir Master, who presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand Master, and he to the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect to the Grand Master; saying.
Most Worshipful: I present you Brother ,
whom the members of the Lodge now to be con- stituted have chosen for their Master.
The Grand Master asks the brethren if they remain satis- fied with their choice. [ They bow in token of assent ]
The Master elect then presents, severally, his Wardens and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. Tho Grand Master asks tiie brethren if they remain satisfied with "iaoh and all of them. [_They bow, as ie/brc.J
ANCIENT CEEEMONIES. 235
The oflScers and members of the new Ledge form in front af the Grand Master; and the ceremonies of Contecration Dommence.
The Grand Master and Grand Officers now form them- selves in order around the Lodge — all kneeling.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge ia being uncovered.
After which, the first clause of the Consecration Prayei is rehearsed by the Grand Chaplain, as follows:
Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker and Ruler of all Worlds ! Deign, from thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly! 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, thou Author of Light and Life, great Source of Love and Ilappiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor of thy glory!
Response. — As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be ; world without end. — ^Amen.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the golden vessel of corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens the silver vessels of wine and oil, to the Grand blaster, who sprinkles the elements of Consecration upon the Lodge.
836 QENERAI AHIMAU EEZON.
TKSBBLa OF OONSEOBATIOH.
The Grand Chaplain then continues:
Grant, 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 all their duties. May hrotherly 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 thy whole family. May they in- crease in grace, in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.
Finally: May we finish all our work here be- low Avith thy approbation; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to thy heav-
ANCIENT CEREMONIES. 237
enly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal!
Response. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. So mote it be. — Amen.
DEDICATION.
A piece of solemn music is performed. The Grand Master, then standing with his hands stretched forth over 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. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. — Amen.
A piece of music is performed while the brethren of tlia new Lodge advance in procession to salute the Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then take their places as they were.
CONSTITUTION.
The Grand Master then rises, and Constitutes the new Lodge in the following form, all the brethren standing at the same time:
In the name of the Most TVorshipful Grand Lodge, I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren, into a regular Lodge of Free
238 GE^BRAL AHIMAN BEZON
and Accepted Masons. From hencefortli I em- power you to meet as a regular Lodge, consti- tuted in conformity to the rites of our Order, and tne 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. — So mote it be. — Amen.
The public grand honors are then given.
The powers and privileges of a Subordinate or Warranted Lodge are such as are defined in its Warrant, by the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge granting the same, and the Ancient Landmarks and General Kegulations. They are divided into —
1. Executive: in the direction and performance of its work, under the control of its Master, and in all other matters in aid ol the Master, who has the primary executive power of a Lodge.
2. Leoislative: embracing all matters relating to its internal concerns, not in derogation of the Ancient Landmarks, the Consti- tutions and General Eegulations of the Grand Lodge, and its own particular By-Laws; and
3. Jthjiciai: embracing the exercise of discipline, and settlement of controversies between and over all its members (except the M'aster), and over all Masons and non-affiliated brethren within its jurisiiiction, subject to an appeal to the Grand Lodge.
The powers of a Warranted Lodge are, therefore, divided into two classes, Inhebent and CoNSTiTUiiONAii:
The inherent powers of a Lodge, controlled only by the Ancient Landmarks, are —
1. To decide who shaU be admitted members of or initiated therein; that is, of persons properly qualified.
2. To make Masons (not more than five at one meeting), of those It has decided to admit.
3. To place on trial u member against whom charges may have been preferred, to pronounce sentence, and enforce discipline.
ANCIENT CEREMONH 239
4. To elect fin 1 install its officers.
5. To fix its time of meeting.
6. To ie(|nire its members to contribute to its funds.
7. To be represented at all communications of the Grand Lodge.
8. To instruct its representatives, for their government, at all Buch communications of the Grand Lodge.
The constitutional powers of a Lodge, subject to control by the Grand Lodge, are —
1. To make a code of By-Laws for its internal government, not in derogation of its inalienable rights, or of those of its members.
2. To perform all the work pertaining to the threo degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry.
3. To transact all business that can be legally transacted by ■ duly-constituted Lodge of Freemasons.
4. To appeal to the Grand Master oi Grand Lodge from Iht decision of the presiding-officer.
6. To change its place of meeHng.
INSTALLATION
OP THE
OFFICERS OF A LODGE.
The new Lodge having been Consecrated, Dedicated and Constituted, the officers are then to be installed.
At every annual election in a warranted Lodge, it ia necessary that the officers should be installed. This ceremony may be performed by any Past Master. Ai the Annual Listallation, the Installing Officer appoints some Present or Past Master, or, if none be present, an old well-iuformed Master Mason, to act as Marshal, whose duties will be to present the officers elect severally La front of the altar for installation.
The jewels of the several officers are collected, and laid in an orderly manner upon the altar, fcr convenient use,
The Grand Master or Installing Officer then says:
Right Worshipful Deputy: Have vou care- fully examined the Master nominated in the warrant (or elect), and do you find him well- skilled in the noble science and the royal art?
The Deputy replies:
Most Worshipful Grand Master: I have carefully examined, and so find him.*
G. M. You will then present him at the altai
for installation.
The Deputy, taking the Master elect, presents him at the altar, saying :
• A private examinatiOD Is understood to precede the luatallation of the Master
ANCmXT CEKEMONTES. 241
Most Woeshipful Grand Master : 1 present my worthy Brother, A. B., to be installed Master of this [new] Lodge. I find him to be of good morals and of great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will discharge his duties with fidelity and with honor.
The Grand Master then addresses him:
Brother: Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your iisseut to those Ancient Charges a,nd Regulations which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.
The Grand Master then reads a summary of the Ancient Charges to the Master elect, as follows: