Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

find it convenient to attend, accompanied by the magistrates of the place where the building is to be erected, as well as the most respectable inhabitants in the vicinity.

At the time appointed, the grand lodge is convened at some convenient place. Music is provided, and the brethren appear with the insignia of their order. The lodge is opened by the grand master, and the rules for forming the procession are read by the grand secretary. The necessary cautions are then given from the chair, and the lodge is adjourned. They then move in procession to the place, where the foundation of the building is to be laid.

A triumphal arch is usually erected on the spot, where the ceremony is to be performed, under which, the brethren repair to their station, and the grand maser and his officers, take their place on a temporary platform, covered with a carpet. An ode, suitable to the occasion, is then sung.

The grand master commands silence, and the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on which is engraven the year of masonry, with the name and titles of the grand master, &c. The workman's tools are presented to the grand master, who applies them to the stone in their proper positions, and pronounces it to be, WELL-FORMED, TRUE AND TRUSTY." The stone is next raised, by means of an engine erected for that purpose, and the grand chaplain, delivers a prayer, to the following purport:

[ocr errors]

دو

"May the Grand Architect of the Universe, grant a blessing on this foundation stone, which we have now laid; and by his providence, enable us, to finish this, and all our works, with skill and success.

[ocr errors][merged small]

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.

"Amen! So mote it be! Amen!"

After solemn music, the grand treasurer by the grand master's command, places under the stone, various coins and medals of the present age; and the stone is placed in the manner, in which it is intended that it should lie.

The cornucopia, and two silver vases, are next brought to the table, when the former is delivered to the deputy grand master, and the two vases to the wardens, who successively present them to the grand master, and he, according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the wine, and the oil, on the stone, saying,

[ocr errors]

May the all-bounteous Author of Nature, bless the inhabitants of this place, with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident; and long preserve the intended. structure from decay. And grant to us all, according to our several necessities, the CORN of nourishment, the WINE of refreshment, and the OIL of joy."

Amen! So note it be. Amen!”

He then strikes the stone thrice with the mallet, and masonic honours are given.

The grand master then delivers to the master workmen, the various implements of architecture. After which, he re-ascends the platform, and an oration, suitable to the occasion is delivered.

An ode, in honour of masonry, is then sung; after which, the procession returns, and the lodge is closed in form.

SECTION 2.-CEREMONY AT THE OPENING OF A BRIDGE.

The grand lodge, the neighbouring lodges, and individual brethren, walk in procession to the new bridge, accompanied by the magistrates, and other respectable citizens in the vicinity. They form, in order, at the entrance of the bridge, when the grand master with his wardens, examine the work, and finding it to be " WELL "he causes CONSTRUCTED, AND FIT FOR PUBLIC USE,'

proclamation to be made accordingly. The masonic honours are then given, which are followed by an address, and an ode adapted to the occasion. They then march over the bridge, and return with music, when the proclamation is repeated; after which, it is usual to have a discharge of artillery. The grand lodge then returns in procession, and is closed in form.

SECTION 3.CEREMONY OBSERVED AT THE DEDICATION OF FREE MASON'S HALLS.

[ocr errors]

On the day appointed for dedication, the grand lodge meet in a convenient room adjoining to the place, in which the ceremony is to be performed, and is opened in form, in all the degrees of masonry. The order of procession is read by the grand secretary, and committed to the grand marshal; after which, the necessary directions are given to the brethren, from the chair. The lodge is then adjourned, the procession commences, and moves forward, till it reacheth the master chair. The officers of the lodge are then proclaimed, and solemn music is introduced and continued, while the procession moves three times round the hall. The lodge is then placed in the centre, and the grand master having taken the chair, under a masonic canopy, the masters and wardens of lodges, repair to the places previously

assigned for their reception. The THREE LIGHTS, and the gold and silver vases, with the corn, wine, and oil, are placed on the lodge, at the head of which stands the PEDESTAL, with the bible open, the square and compasses laid thereon, and the constitution roll on a crimson velvet cushion. An anthem is then sung, and an encomium on masonry is delivered. The architect returns thanks to the grand master, for the honour conferred on him, and surrenders the implements entrusted to him for finishing the work. The grand master having expressed his approbation, an ode is sung, accompanied by instrumental music. After this, such of the spectators as are not masons withdraw. The lodge being tiled, the business of masonry is resumed. The grand secretary informs the grand master, that it is the desire of the fraternity, to have the hall dedicated to masonry, upon which, he orders his of ficers to assist in the ceremony. Solemn music commences, and is continued, except at the intervals of dedication.

The lodge is uncovered, and the first procession being made round it, the grand master having reached the east, strikes thrice with his mallet, and, after profound silence, dedicates the hall to MASONRY," in the name of the GREAT JEHOVAH, to whom, be all glory and honour." Upon which, the grand chaplain strews corn over the lodge.

Solemn music then begins, and a second procession is made round the lodge, when, on the grand master's arrival at the east, silence is again proclaimed, and he declares the hall dedicated as before, to VIRTUE; on which the grand chaplain sprinkles wine on the lodge.

Solemn music is again performed, and a third procession takes place round the lodge; when the grand master having reached the east, silence is enjoined, and the hall is dedicated as before, to UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE.

Here, the grand chaplain dips his fingers in the oil, and sprinkles it over the lodge. At each dedication, the honours are given.

Prayer by the grand chaplain, with responses from the brethren, follow; after which, an anthem is sung. The lodge is then covered, and the grand master retires to the chair.

The spectators may now return, and the grand master may direct the procession to be resumed, and to march three times round the hall, halting each time on their arrival at the east. The music is continued during the moving of the procession, but is suspended when it halts. The members of the grand lodge now take their places, and an oration, suited to the occasion, is delivered by the grand chaplain, or some other brother, appointed for that purpose, by the grand master.

The grand lodge again forms in procession as at first, and returns to the room, where it commenced, the laws of the order are rehearsed, and the grand lodge is closed in ample form.

SECTION 4.-CEREMONIES OBSERVED AT FUNERALS, WITH THE SERVICE TO BE USED ON SUCH OCCASIONS.

The practice of funeral rites, has been general in all ages and nations. It affords an opportunity for the recollection of the virtues of the deceased, as well as for the public testimony of the friendship which has subsisted between the dead and the living. It at once assists sympathy, and is greatly subservient to the cause of virtue.

The ceremonies are different in different nations, but general conformity has been recommended amongst the the masonic fraternity. They have also their usual forms, in which they express their common friendship, in mourning for the deceased.

« AnteriorContinua »