D. G. M. Most Worshipful: I find the stone

to be squai'e. The Craftsmen have performed their duty.
G. M. R. W. Senior Grand Warden What is the jewel of your office ?
Senior Grand Warden. The Level.
G. M. What is its Masonic use ?
8. G. W. Morally, it reminds us of equality, and its use is to lay horizontals.
LATING FOUNDATIOK-STOKES. 287
&. M. Apply the implement of your office to the foundation-stone, and make report.
This is done.
8. G. W. Most WoEsmpFUL: I find the stone to be level. The Craftsmen have performed their duty.
G. M. R. W. Junior Grand Warden: What is the proper jewel of your office ?
Junior Grand Warden. The Plumb.
G. M. What is its Masonic use?
J. G. W. Morally, it teaches rectitude of con- duct, and we use it to try perpendiculars.
G. M. Apply the implement of your offi'' the several edges of the foundation-stone and malce report.
This is complied with.
J. G. W. Most Worshipful: I find the stone is plumb. The Craftsmen have performed their duty.
G. M. This corner-stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry. I find that the Craftsmen have skillfully and faithfully p'jr- formed their duty, and I do declare the Gtx)ne to
288 GENERAL A HTM AN EEZON.
be well formed, true, and trusty, and correctly laid, according to the rules of our ancient Craft. Let the elements of Consecration now be pre seated.
The Deputy Grand Master comes forward with the vessel of CORN, and, scattering it on the stone, says:
I scatter this corn as an emblem of plenty. May the blessings of bounteous Heaven be show- ered upon us and upon all like patriotic and benevolent undertakings, and inspire the hearts of the people with virtue, wisdom, and gratitude.
Response. — So mote it he.
The Senior Grand Warden then comes forward with tba
vessel of wine, and pours it upon t!ie stone; saying,
I pour this wine as an emblem of joy and gladness. May the Great Ruler of the Universe
LA.TING FOUNDATION-STONES. 5i89
bless and prosper our national, state, and city governments, preserve the union of the States, and may it be a bond of Friendship and Broth- erly Love that shall endure through all time.
Response. — So mote it be.
The Junior Grand Warden then comes forward with a vessel of OIL, which he pours upon 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, shield and defend them from trials and vicissitudes of the world, and so bestow his mercy upon the be- reaved, the afflicted, and the sorrowing, that they may know sorrowing and trouble no more.
Response. — So mote it be.
The Grand Master, standing in front of all, and extending bis hamds, makes the following
INVOCATION.
May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of this place with an abundance
13
Ji90 GENEEAl AHTMAN BEZON.
of the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident; long preserve the structure from de- cay; and grant to us aU a supply of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy. — Amen.
Response, — So mote it be.
The Grand Master strikes the stone three times with the gavel, and the public grand honors are given.
The Grand Master then delivers over to the Architect the implements of architecture ; saying,
Worthy Sir (or Brother) : Having thus, aa -Grand Master of Masons, laid the foundation- stone of this structure, I now dehver these im- plements of your profession into your hands, intrusting you with the superintendence and direction of the work, having full confidence in your skill and capacity to conduct the same.
The Grand Master ascends the platform, when an appro- rjate Anthem may be sung.
Tho Grand Master then addresses the assembly as follows
Men and Brethren here assembled: Be it known unto you, that we be lawful Masons, true and faithful to the laws of our country, and
LAYING FOUNDATION-STONES. 291
engaged, by solemn obligations, to erect mag- nificent buildings, to be serviceable to the breth- ren, aiid to fear God, the Great Architect of the Universe. We have among us, concealed from the eyes of all men, secrets which cannot be divulged, and which have never been found out; but these secrets are lawful and honorable, and not repugnant to the laws of God or man. They were intrusted, in peace and honor, to the Masons of ancient times, and having been faith- fully transmitted to us, it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity. Unless our Craft were good, and our calling honorable, we should not have lasted for so many centu- ries, nor should we have been honored with the patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages, who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries. We are assembled here to-day in the face of you all, to build a house, which we pray God may deserve to prosper, by becoming a place of concourse for good men, and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout the world, till time shall be no more. — -Amen.
Response. — So mote it be !
292 GENEEAL AHIMAN EEZON.
A volQutury collectiou is tlien made by the Grand Stew ards among the Brethren for the needy workmen, and the Bam collected is placed upon the stone by the Grand Treasurer.
The Grand Chaplaia then pronounces the foUowmg, or Bome other suitable
BENEDICTION.
Glory be to God on higli, and on eartli peace, and good- will toward men ! Loed, we most heartily beseech thee with thy favor to behold and bless this assemblage; pour down thy mercy, 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 work men who shall be engaged in the erection oi this edifice; keep them from all forms of acci- dents and harm; grant them in health and prosperity to live; and finally, we hope, aftei this life, through thy mercy, wisdom, and for- giveness, to attain everlasting joy and felicity, in thy bright mansion — in thy holy temple — not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. — Amen.
Besponse. — So mote it be.
After which, the procession returns in the same order to the place whence it set out, aud the Grand Lodge is closed Krith the usual formalities.
DEDICATION OF MASONIC EALLS.
At tlie time appointed for tlie celebratioa of the ceremou) ol dedication, tlie Giaad Master and his ofScers, accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a convenient room, near to tlie place where the ceremony 13 to be perform" ed, 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;
Grand Secretaries;
Grand Treasurers;
A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square and
Compasses, supported by two Stewards, with rods;
Two Burning Tapers, borue 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 wiiite linen, carried by four Brethren;
Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying Book of Constitutions,'
291
QBNEBAL ATTTMAN BEZON.
Grand Master,
Supported by two Deacons, with rods;
Grand Standard-Bearer;
Grand Sword-Bearer, with drawn swordj
Two Stewards, with white rods.
When the Grand Officers arrive at the center of the Lodge-room, the Grand honors are given.
The Grand Officers thea 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:
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DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS.
295
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May Faitli, Hope, Cliarity, divine, Here hold their undivided reign;
Friendship and Ilarmony combine To 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 Bretliren of
Lodge, being animated with a desire to promote tlie honor and interest of the Craft, have erected
296 GENEBAI, AHIMAN EEZON.
a Masonic Hall, for their convenience and accom- modation. They are desirous that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; and if it should meet their appro- bation, 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 intrusted mth the superintendence and management of the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice; and having, according to the best of my abihty, accomphshed 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 tliis fabric was laid, (pre- senting to the Qi'and Master the Square, Level, and Plwnb), 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 skiU and fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust reposed
DEDICATION OF MASONIO HATJ.S. 297
m yon at the commencement of this undertaking, have secured the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge; and they sincerely pray that this edifico may contioue a lasting monument of the tasto Bpirit., and liberality of its founders.
The Deputy Grand Master tben rises, and says:
Most Worshipful: The haU in which we are DOW assembled, and the plan upon which it has been constructed, having met with your appro- bation, it is the desire of the Fraternity that it should be now dedicated, according to ancien* form and usage.
The Lodge is thea uncovered, and a procession is mada around it in the following form, during which solemn music is played.
Grand Tiler, with drawn svyord;
Grand S word-Bearer, with drawn sword.
Grand Standard-Bearcr;
A Past Master, with light;
A Past Master, with Bible, Square, and Compasees,
on a velvet cushion;
Two Past Masters, each with a light;
Giand 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; 13* Two Stewards, with rods.
iJ98
GENEHAL AHiMAN EEZON.
When the procession arrives at the East, it baits; tlw mnsic ceases, and the Grand Chaplain makes the following
CONSECRATION PEATEK.
Almighty and ever-glorious and gracious Loed God, Creator of all things, and Governor of every thing thou hast made, mercifully look upon thy Bervants, 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 com- munications and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and Charity the fruit of our obedience to thy revealed wiU.
May all the proper work of our institution that may be done in this house be such as thy wis- dom may approve and thy goodness prosper. And, finally, graciously be pleased, thou Sove- reign 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
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS.
299
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 Odr, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication.
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The firsii 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 Ma. Bonic Halls, it has been of immemorial custom to pour corn upon the Lodge, as an emblem of
DEDIOA'nOS OP MABONIO HAIXS. 301
flourisliment. I, therefore, present you this vessel of corn, to be employed by you according to ancient usage.
The Grand Master then, striking thrice with hia Uiallet pours the corn upon the Lodge; saying,
In the name of the great JEnovAH, to whom be all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Feeemasonet.
The grand honors are given.
Bring with thee Vertub, brightest maidl
Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Fkiendship
While social Mirth shall lend her aid [here; To soothe the wrinkled brow of Cake.
The second procession is then made aronnd the Lodge, and the Grand Senior Warden presents the vessel of wine to the Grand Master; saying,
Most Worshipful : Wine, the emblem of re- freshment, having been used by our ancient brethren in the dedication and consecration of their Lodges, I present you this vessel of wine,
S02 GENERAL AHIMAN EEZON.
to be used on the present occasion according to ancient Masonic form.
The Grand Master then Bprinkles 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 Chaeitt! with goodness crowned, Encircled in thy heavenly robe !
Diffuse thy blessings all around, To every corner of the Globe 1
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 Woeshipful : I present you, to be used
according to ancient custom, this vessel of oil,
an emblem of that joy which should animate
every bosom on the completion of every import-
• ant undertaking.
The Grand Master then sprinkles the oil upon the Lodge; saying,
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 303
In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do Bolemnly dedicate this hall to Universal Benev- olence.
The grand lionoi's 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 assem- bled, in all their lawful undertakings, and grant to each one of them, in needful supply, tJie corn ()f 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 doliyered, and the ceremonies conclude with music:
Brethren : The ceremonies we have perform- ed are not unmeaning rites, nor the amusing pageants of an idle hour, but have a solemn
304 OENERAL AHIMAK BEZON.
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, sup- ported by Strength, and adorned in Beauty, we are first to consecrate in the name of the great Jehovah; which teaches us, in aU 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 bim 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
DEDICATION OP MASONIC HALLS, 305
of limnau affairs. Our step is time; oui pro gression, eternity.
Following our ancient Constitutions, witli 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 pay- ing 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 wiU always be duly regarded while the moral duties which our sub- lime lectures inculcate, with affecting and im- pressive 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, BO we dedicate this Hall to Universal Benevo- lence; in the assurance that every brother will dedicate his affections and his abilities to the
306 GENEEAIi AHDIAN BEZON.
same generous purpose; that while he displays a warm and cordial affection to those who are oi the Fraternity, he will extend his benevolent regards and good wisLes to the whole family of mankind.
Such, my brethren, is the significant meaning of the solemn rites we have just performed, be- cause such are the peculiar duties of every Lodge. I need not enlarge upon them now, nor show how they diverge, as rays from a cen- ter, 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 fuMll the high purposes of the Masonic Institution !
How many pleasing considerations, my breth- ren, attend the present interview! While in almost every other association of men, pohtical animosities, contentions, and wars interrupt the progress of Humanity and the cause of Benevo- ■ lence, it is our distinguished privilege to dwell together in peace, and engage in plans to per- fect individual and social happiness. While in many other nations our Order is viewed by pol- iticians with suspicion, and by the ignorant with
DEDICATION OP MASONIO HAIX8. 307
apprehension, in this country, its members are too much respected, and its principles too -well known, to make it the object of jealousy or mistrust. Our private assemblies are unmo- lested; 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 un- known in any former age. The present occasion gives fresh evidence of the increasing afl'ection 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 Wor- Bhipful Master, Wardens, OflBcers, and Members
of Lodge. We commend their zeal, and
hope it will meet with the most ample recom- pense. May their Hall be the happy resort of Piety, Virtue, and Benevolence ! May it be pro- tected from accident, and long remain a monu- ment of their attachment to Freemasonry ! May their Lodge continue to flourish; their union to
308 QENEEAL ATHMAV BEZOH.
strengthe::; 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 MsJl not made with hands, eternal in the heavens 1
The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at first, returns to the room where it was opeaed, aad u eioeed in ample form.
GRAND VISITATIONS.
The Grand Master, accompanied by the Grand Officers should, at least once a year, or as ol'tea as he may deem expedient, visit the Lodges under his juiisdiction, to make the customary examinations. When this laudable duty becomes impracticable, from the extent of jurisdiction and large number of Lodges, the Grand Master may appoint any one or more of his Grand Ofliccrs, who shall yisit and inspect such Lodges as the Grand Master shall designate, and make report to him of the result.
The following is the ceremony observed ou such occasions;
The Grand Secretary, by command of the Grand Master or Presiding Grand OfBcer, notifies the Lodge of the intended visit.
The Master opens his Lodge iu the third degree, and places his Deacons at the sides of the door, with their staves crossed. The Brethren arrange themselves in a line from the door, on each side, to the Choir. The orders, borne by some of the most respectable private Brethren, wait neai the door, to walk before the Grand Master when they enter. This being arranged in this manner, the Master deputes a Past Master to escort the Grand Officers, who enter in the following form:
Grand Marshalj
Grand Stewards;
Grand Pursuivant, with sword;
Two Grand Deacons;
Grand Treasurer and Secretary;
Grand Chaplain;
310 QENEEAL AHBIAN KEZON.
Senior and Junior Grand Wardens;
Grand and Deputy Grand Masters;
Two Grand Deacons.
The Grand Tiler remains at the door.
They proceed up to the East, when they open to the right »nd left, and the Grand Master passes through to the Chair; they then close, and take their seats on the right of the Master, who receives the Grand Master according to ancient usage, with the private grand honors of Freemasonry, and resigns to him the Chair and the Gavel, when the officers of the Lodge resign their seats to the corresponding Grand Officers. The Master then delivers to the Grand Master the Warrant of Constitution, the Treasurer's and Secretary's books, and a statement of the funds of the Lodge, for his inspection. Having examined them, he expresses his appro- bation, or makes such observations as the circumstances and situation of the Lodge may require. The Grand Master then resigns the Chair to the Worshipful Master, and the Grand Officers leave their seats, and repair to the East.
Should the Grand Officers retire before the Lodge is closed, Ihe game ceremony must be observed as at their entrance.
311
Th« sei^Ieea herein arranged for the Bmial o» the Dead are ldapt«4 for all the purposes for -which ceremonies ot that charactei may be required. TLo arrangement is such that any portion ol the service — eaon yi»rt being complete — may be used as occasion requires. It is not expected that the whole ceremony will or can be used at any one time. If the weather should be stormy, or the body of the deceased taken, for interment, to a distance, where it would be impossible for the brethren to attend, that portion of tlie service set apart for the Lodge-room, or at the house ol the deceased, may be perfonuod.
MASONIC FUNEML SERVICES:
PHEPABED BY
ROBERT MACOY,
LVTUOH OP THE MASONIC MANTAIj, BOOK OF THE ZX^DOE, TBUE UASOKIO OUIDfi, FAST DEPUTY OILLND MAJ3TEB, OUAim EECOODEU, ETC.
The Ceremonies whicli are observed on the occasion ol hinerals are higlily appropriate; they are performed as a melancholy Masonic duty, and as a token of respect and affection to the memory of a departed brother.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS.