In some jurisdictions, the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, respectfully, are invested with authority to grant dispensations, at pleasure, during the recess of the Grand Lodge; in others, they are never issued without the special direction of the Grand Lodge..

Lodges working under dispensations are considered merely as agents of the Grand Lodge; their presiding officers 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 without the special approbation and appointment of the Grand Lodge; and in case of the cessation of such lodges, their funds, jewels, and other property accumulated by initiation into the several degrees, become the property of the Grand Lodge, and must be delivered over to the Grand Treasurer.

When lodges that are at first instituted by dispensation, have passed a proper term of probation, they make application to the Grand Lodge for a charter of constitution. If this be ob

tained, they are then confirmed in the possession of their property, and possess all the rights and priviliges of regularly constituted lodges, as long as they conform to the constitution of Masonry,

After a charter is granted by the Grand Lodge, the G, Master appoints a day and hour for constituting and consecrating the new lodge, and for installing its Master, Wardens, and other officers.

If the Grand Master, in person, attends the ceremony, the lodge is said to be constituted in ample form; if the Deputy Grand Master only, it is said to be constituted in due form; but if the power of performing the ceremony is vested in a subordinate lodge, it is said to be constituted in form.

When charters of constitution are granted for places where the distance is so great as to render it inconvenient for the Grand Officers to attend; the Grand Master, or his deputy, issues a written instrument under his hand and private seal to some worthy Present or Past Master, with full power to con

jugate, constitute, and instal the peti

tioners.

Ceremony of Constitution and Conse

cration.

On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and his officers meet in a convenient room, near to that in which the lodge to be constituted is assembled, and open the Grand Lodge in the three degrees of Masonry.

The officers of the new lodge are to be examined by the Deputy Grand Master, after which they return to their lodge.

The new lodge then sends a messenger to the Grand Master with the following message, viz.

MOST WORSHIPFUL,

at

The officers and brethren of Lodge, who are now assembled 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

in the year

day

authoris

ing them to form and open a lodge of free and accepted Masons, in the town ; that since that period

of

they have regularly assembled, and conducted the business of Masonry according to the best of their abilities; that their proceedings having received the approbation of the M. W. Grand Lodge, they have obtained a charter of constitution, and are desirous that their lodge shall be consecrated, and their officers installed, agreeably 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.

He then returns to his lodge, who prepare for the reception of the Grand Lodge. When notice is given that they are prepared, the Grand Lodge walk in procession to their hall. When the Grand Master enters, the grand honours are given by the new lodge; the officers of which resign their seats to the Grand Officers, and take their several stations on the left.

The necessary cautions are then given, and all, excepting Masters and Past Masters of lodges, are requested to retire until the Master of the new lodge is placed in the chair of Solomon. He is then bound to the faithful performance of his trust, and invested with the characteristick of the chair.

Upon due notice, the Grand Mar shal reconducts the brethren into the hall, and all take their places, except the members of the new lodge, who form a procession on one side of the hall, to salute their Master. As they advance, the Grand Master addressess them" Brethren, behold your Master!" As they pass, they make the proper salutation; and when they have all passed, he joins them, and takes his appropriate station.

A grand procession is then formed, in the following order, viz.

Tyler, with a Drawn Sword; Two Stewards with White Rods; Entered Apprentices;

Fellow Crafts;

Master Masons;