if it should meet their approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form.” The Grand Master then directs the Grand Secretary to read the Order of Procession, which is delivered over to the Grand Marshal; and a general charge, respecting propriety of behavior, is given by the Deputy Grand Master; or the necessary directions are given to the brethren from the Chair. A grand procession is then formed in the order laid down in the first section. The whole moves forward to the hall which is to be dedicated; and upon the arrival of the front of the procession at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward, whilst the Grand Master, and others in succession, pass through and enter. The music continues while the procession marches three times round the hall. The Lodge is placed in the centre. The Grand Master having taken the chair, under a canopy, the Grand officers take the places of the corresponding officers of the Lodge, and the Masters and Wardens of other Lodges, repair to the places previously prepared for their reception. The three lights, (in a triangular form,) and the gold and silver pitchers, with the corn, wine and oil, are placed on the Lodge, at the head of which stands the pedestal, or altar, with the Bible open, and the Square and Compass fixed thereon. The Constitution is placed beside it, on a crimson velvet cushion. An anthem is sung, and an exordium on Masonry given; after which, the Architect addresses the Grand Master as follows: "MOST WORSHIPFUL: 66 Having being entrusted with the superintendence and management of the workmen employed in the construction 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 surrender 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." To which the Grand Master replies as follows: "BROTHER ARCHITECT: “The skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust reposed in you, at the commencement of this undertaking, have secured the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge; and they sincerely pray, that this edifice may continue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit and liberality of its founders." An ode in honor of Masonry is sung. 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 constructed, having met with your approbation, it is the desire of the fraternity that it should be now dedicated, according to ancient form and usage." Whereupon the Grand Master requests all to retire but such as are Master Masons. A procession is then formed in the following order, viz: Grand Sword Bearer; Grand Standard Bearer; A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compass on a Two Past Masters, each with a Light; Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with Emblems; Two Stewards, with Rods. All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in performing an ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The Lodge is uncovered, and the first procession being made round it, the Grand Master having reached the East, the Grand Junior Warden presents the pitcher of corn to the Grand Master, who, striking thrice with his mallet, pours it out upon the Lodge, at the same time pronouncing, "In the name of the great JEHOVAH, to whom be all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to FREE-MASONRY." The grand honors are given. The second procession is then made round the Lodge, and the Grand Senior Warden presents the pitcher of wine to the Grand Master, who sprinkles it upon the Lodge, at the same time saying, "In the name of holy SAINT JOHN, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to VIRTUE." The grand honors are twice repeated. The third procession is then made round the Lodge, and the Deputy Grand Master presents the pitcher of oil to the Grand Master, who sprinkling it upon the Lodge, says, "In the name of the whole FRATERNITY, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE." The grand honors are thrice repeated. A solemn invocation is made to Heaven, by the Grand Chaplain, and an anthem sung; after which the Lodge is covered, and the Grand Master retires 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. SECTION V. THE CEREMONY OBSERVED AT FUNERALS. No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order unless he has been advanced to the third degree of Masonry. Fellow Crafts and Apprentices are not entitled to funeral obsequies. All the brethren who walk in procession, should observe, as much as possible, an uniformity in their dress : black clothes, with white gloves and aprons, are most suitable. The brethren being assembled at the Lodge room, (or some other convenient place,) the presiding officer opens the Lodge in the third degree, with the usual forms; and having stated the purpose of the meeting, a procession is then formed, which moves to the house of the deceased, and from thence to the place of interment. ORDER OF PROCESSION AT A FUNERAL. Tyler, with a drawn Sword; Musicians, (if they are Masons,) otherwise they follow the Tyler; MARSHAL. Master Masons; Senior and Junior Deacons ; Secretary and Treasurer; Past Masters; Royal Arch Masons; Select Masters; Knights Templars; The Holy Writings, on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by the oldest (or some suitable) Member of the Lodge; When the procession arrives at the place of interment, the members of the lodge form a circle round the grave; the officers take their position at the head of the grave and the mourners at the foot. The following exhor tation is then given by the Chaplain or Master: |