ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTING AND CONSECRATING A LODGE-INSTALLING THE OFFICERS.

ANY number of Master Masons, not under seven, resolved to form a new lodge, must apply, by petition, to the Grand Lodge, setting forth that they are regular Master Masons, and are at present, or have been, members of regular lodges; that having the prosperity of the fraternity at heart, they are willing to exert their best endeavours to promote and diffuse the true principles of Masonry; that, for the convenience of their respective dwellings, or other good reasons, they have agreed to form a new lodge, to be named and have nominated, and do recommend A. B. to be the first Master; that in consequence of this resolution they pray for a warrant of constitution, to empower them to assemble, as a regular lodge, on the every month, and there to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the order and the laws of the Grand Lodge; that, the prayer of the petitioners being granted, they promise a strict conformity to all the regulations and rules of the Grand Lodge.

of

An application of the above, or a similar tenor,* signed and recommended by brethren of good repute, which is then laid before the Grand Lodge, if it meets their approbation a warrant is granted. In consequence of this charter a lodge may be held at the place therein named, and the

* The Grand Secretary of the various Grand Lodges in the U. S. will furnish the proper formula in blank.

transactions recorded are valid for the time being, with those of a regularly constituted lodge: provided they are afterwards confirmed by the brethren, convened at the time of constituting the lodge.

The Grand Lodge having signified its approbation of the new lodge, the Grand Master appoints a stipulated time for constituting and consecrating, and for installing the officers.

In some of the Grand Lodges, an authority from the Grand Master to the new lodge is sent, until the proper warrant is given.

The following is usually the form :

To A. B. :

by the

agreeable to a

Sir and Brother, (or as the case may be): Having indubitable testimony of your ability and attachment to the Masonic fraternity, and reposing especial confidence in your integrity, I do hereby authorise and appoint you to form and constitute a lodge in the city of name and style of Lodge, No.-, resolution of a Grand Lodge, held on ; and of the said lodge you will install our beloved brother, C. D., Worshipful Master, and our beloved brethren, E. F. and G. H., Senior and Junior Wardens, agreeable to the ancient usages, for which this shall be your warrant.

Given under my hand and seal, this

day of

I. J., Grand Master.

At the appointed time, the Grand Master and his officers (or a proper person appointed by the Grand Master,) meet in a convenient room, near to that in which the new lodge is to be constituted.

When notice is given that the lodge is prepared for the reception of the Grand Lodge, who upon entering, the offi

cers of the new lodge resign their seat to the Grand officers and take their stations at the left of the several officers.

A prayer having been offered to the throne of grace by the Chaplain, and a discourse delivered, the business of consecration commences.

The Deputy Grand Master then informs the Grand Master that

"A number of brethren, duly instructed in the several degrees of Masonry, and good workmen, having, by virtue of a warrant granted them for that purpose, assembled as regular Masons, and having duly recorded their transactions, do now desire to be formed into a regular lodge, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and promise to conform, in all things, as good Masons ought to do,"

The Secretary pro tem. of the new lodge then delivers the warrant and records to the Master elect, who presents them to the Grand Master, who addresses him thus:

"Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have seen fit to grant the petition of the brethren here assembled, and a charter has been given them which the Grand Secretary will now read:" (the charter is then read.)

The records are then examined by him, and if approved, the Grand Master then says:

"We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular lodge." Whereupon the jewels and badges are delivered up by the officers of the new lodge to their Master, who presents them to the Deputy Grand Master and he to the Grand Master.

Then the Deputy Grand Master presents the master of the New Lodge to the Grand Master, saying

"Most Worshipful-I present you brother G. M., whom the members of the Lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen for their Master."

The Grand Master asks them, if they remain satisfied with their choice. [They bow the head in token of assent.]

The Master then presents, one after the other, his Wardens and other officers; naming them and their office. The Grand Master asks the brethren, if they are satisfied with each and all of them. [They bow their heads in token of assent.]

Next, during solemn music,* the Lodge is uncovered. All devoutly kneel. The music ceases; and the Grand Chaplain rehearses the following prayer:

"Great architect of the universe! maker and ruler of all worlds! deign, from thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us, in all the purposes of our present assembly.

"We humbly invoke thee to give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our communications!

"Permit us, O thou centre of light and life, great source of love and happiness, to erect this lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honour of thy glory!

God on high !"

Glory be to

Response by the brethren.-As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be-Amen!

"Grant, O Lord our God, that they who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all duties. May brotherly love and charity always prevail among the members of this Lodge; and may this band of Union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world!

"Bless all our brethren, wheresoever dispersed and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed.

"We affectionately commend to thee all the members of

* The music alluded to is occasionally vocal or instrumental, more frequently both. See the appendix, where on this, as on other solemn occasions, the hymns and odes are to be found.

thy whole family. May they increase in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.

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Finally, may we finish all our works here below, with thine approbation; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory and bliss ineffable-Glory be to God on high." Response by the brethren.-As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.-Amen-so mote it be-Amen.* Then succeeds solemn music while the Lodge is covering. The Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge in the following terms:

"To the memory of Holy Saint John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every brother revere his character, and imitate his virtues.-Glory be to God on high."

Response by the brethren.-As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.-Amen!-so mote it be.-Amen!

After this, during solemn music, the officers of the new Lodge advance to salute the Grand Lodge. Then they take their places, and stand as they were.

Grand Master of the state of

The music ceases, and the Grand Master proceeds to constitute the Lodge, by directing the Grand Marshal to say: "Brethren-I am directed by the most worshipful to make proclamation, that, by virtue of his power and authority, these brethren are now constituted a regular society of free and accepted Masons, by the title and designation of Lodge, to be holden in And from henceforth they are fully empowered to exercise all their rights and privileges, agreeably to the tenure of their character, the laws of

* The Grand Chaplain is not confined to this form of devotion. He may use one of those among the collection of prayers contained in this book, or, with the consent of the grand master, may introduce one of his own, prepared for the occasion.