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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 proces

sion is then formed, in the following order, viz. Grand Sword Bearer,

A Past Master, with a Light,

A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compass, on a Velvet Cushion,

Two Past Masters, each with a Light, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with Emblems, Grand Junior Warden, with Pitcher of Corn, Grand Senior Warden, with Pitcher of Wine, Deputy Grand Master, with Pitcher of Oil, Grand Master,

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 junior grand warden presents the pitcher of corn to the

grand master, who pours it out upon the lodge, at the same time pronouncing, " In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honour and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to MASONRY." The grand honours 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 sprin kles it upon the lodge, at the same time saying, "In the name of holy Saint John, I do solemnly dedicate this ball to VIRTUE." The grand honours 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 sprinkles it upon the lodge, saying, " In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE." The grand honours 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 then closed in ample form, in the several degrees.

The Fifth Section.

The Ceremony observed at Funerals, according to Ancient Custom; with the Service used on the Occasion.

No mason can be interred with the formalities of the order, unless it be by his own special request, communicated to the master of the lodge of which he died a member, foreigners and sojourners excepted; nor unless he has been advanced to the third degree of masonry; and from this restriction there can be no exception. Fellow crafts, or apprentices, are not entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend the masonic procession on such occasions.

The master of a lodge, having received notice of a master mason's death, and of his request to be interred with the ceremonies of the order, fixes the day and hour for the funeral, and issues his command to summon the lodge. He may invite as many lodges as he thinks proper, and the members of those lodges may accompany their officers in form; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the master of the lodge to which the deceased belonged, and he and his officers must be duly honoured, and cheerfully obeyed, on

the occasion.*

But in case the deceased was not

a member of either of the attending lodges, the procession and ceremony must be under the direction of the master of the oldest lodge.

All the brethren who walk in procession, should observe, as much as possible, an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning, with white stockings, gloves and aprons, is most suitable.

The Funeral Service.

The brethren being assembled at the lodge room for some other convenient place) the presiding master opens the lodge, in the third degree, with the usual forms; and having stated the purpose of the meeting, the service begins.

Master." What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave!"

Response." Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them."

Master. "When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him."

* Except when the grand or deputy grand master is present and exercises his authority.

Response."Naked he came into the world, and naked he must return."

Master. "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord !”

The grand honours are then given, and certain forms used, which cannot be here explained.

The master then, taking the SACRED ROLL in his hand, says,

"Let us die the death of the righteous, and let our last end be like his !"

The brethren answer,

"God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide, even unto death!"

The master then records the name and age of the deceased upon the roll, and says,

"Almighty Father! into thy hands we commend the soul of our loving brother."

The brethren answer three times (giving the grand honours each time)

"The will of God is accomplished! so be it." The master then deposits the roll in the archives, and repeats the following prayer:

"Most glorious God! author of all good, and giver of all mercy! pour down thy blessings upon us, and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection! May the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate, and draw our attention toward thee, the only

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