# Manual of the Lodge/Ancient Ceremonies of the Order/Consecration, Dedication, and Constitution of a Lodge

ANCIENT CEREMONIES OF THE ORDER.
SECTION I.
CONSECRATION, DEDICATION, CONSTITUTION, AND INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A NEW LODGE.
THOROUGH knowledge of these ceremonies is of the highest importance.
They should be well understood by every Master of a Lodge. They treat of the government of the society; the disposition of its rulers, and illustrate their proper functions and qualifications.
Any number of Master Masons, not less than seven, having determined to form a new Lodge, must apply by petition to the Grand Master, which petition should be in the following words:
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Freemasons of ........
The petition of the undersigned respectfully showeth, that they are regular Freemasons, 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 endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Freemasonry; that for the conveniency of their respective dwellings [otherwise, stating the circumstances of the case], and for other good reasons, they have agreed to form a new Lodge; that in consequence of this resolution, they pray the Most Worshipful Grand Master for a dispensation to empower them to assemble as a regular Lodge at . . . . and there to discharge the duties of Freemasonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the ancient usages of the Order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . . . ; that they have nominated and do recommend A. B. to be the first Master, and C. D. to be the first Senior Warden, and E. F. the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge: and the prayer of this petition being granted, they promise strict conformity to every regular edict and command of the Grand Master, and to the constitutions, laws, and regulations of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . .
This petition must be signed by, at least, seven regular Master Masons, and be recommended by the nearest Lodge, and be delivered to the Grand Secretary, who shall present it to the Grand Master, or, in his absence, to the Deputy Grand Master. If the application shall be approved, the Grand Secretary is ordered to grant a dispensation in the following words:
To all whom it may concern:
Whereas, we . . . . . . Most Worshipful Master of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . , ​have received a petition from a constitutional number of brethren who have been regularly vouched for and recommended, which petition sets forth that they are desirous of establishing a new Lodge at . . . under our Masonic jurisdiction, and requesting a dispensation for the same; and whereas there appears to us good and sufficient cause for granting the prayer of the said petition—
Now know ye, that we, the Most Worshipful Grand Master aforesaid, by virtue of the powers in us vested by the Ancient Constitutions of the Order, do hereby grant this our dispensation, authorizing and empowering Brother . . . . . . to act as Worshipful Master, Brother . . . . . . to act as Senior Warden, and Brother to act as Junior Warden of a Lodge, to be held under our jurisdiction at . . . . . . . and to be known as . . . . Lodge. And we further authorize and empower the said brethren to Enter, Pass, and Raise Freemasons according to the Ancient Constitutions of the Order, the customs and usages of the craft, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . ., and not otherwise. And this our dispensation shall continue of force until the Grand Lodge shall grant a Warrant of Constitution for the same, or this dispensation be revoked by us or by the Grand Lodge aforesaid.
| [l. s.] | Given under our hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge, at the Grand East of . . . . . . . ., this . . . day of . . . . A∴L∴ 58 . . |
| Grand Secretary. | Grand Master. |
​A Lodge thus organized is said to be a Lodge under dispenation; and having been erected for a special purpose, is possessed of very limited powers. It is simply the creature of the Grand Master, and depends on his will for the duration of its existence. It can make no by-laws, but is governed by the general constitutions of the Order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. It can not elect officers. The Master and Wardens are appointed by the Grand Master in the dispensation, and whatever other officers are necessary for carrying of the business of the Lodge must be appointed temporarily by the Master. As there can be no election, neither can there be any installation; for not even are the Master and Wardens of a Lodge under dispensation permitted to be thus solemnly inducted into office. A Lodge under dispensation can elect no members. The Master and Wardens who are named in the act of dispensation, are, in fact, the only persons recognized as constituting the Lodge. To them is granted the privilege, as proxies of the Grand Master, of making Masons; and for this purpose they are authorized to congregate a sufficient number of brethren to assist them in the ceremonies. But all persons who have been made Masons in a Lodge under dispensation, with all those engaged in holding it under the act of dispensation, become members as soon as it receives its Warrant of Constitution.
The act of dispensation continues of force, unless sooner revoked by the Grand Master, until the next regular communication of the Grand Lodge, before whom the petition, with the proceedings had thereon, must be laid. If the Grand Lodge approves of the same, it will grant a Warrant of Constitution, which is in the following form:
WARRANT OF CONSTITUTION.
To all whom it may concern:
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . in Grand Communication assembled, Send Greeting:
Know ye, that we, the Grand Lodge of Ancient ​Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . . ., have authorized and empowered, and do hereby authorize and empower, our trusty and well-beloved brethren, A. B.. Worshipful Master; C. D., Senior Warden; and E. F., Junior Warden, to open and hold a Lodge designated as . . . . . Lodge No. . ., under our register and jurisdiction at . . . ., in the State of . . . . . . . . ., or within three miles of the same.
And we do further authorize and empower the said brethren to Admit, Enter, Pass, and Raise Free masons, according to the most ancient customs and usages of the craft, in all ages and nations throughout the world, and not otherwise.
And we do further authorize and empower the said brethren, and their successors in office, to hear and determine all and singular, matters and things, relative to the craft, within the jurisdiction of the said Lodge.
And lastly, we do hereby authorize, empower, and direct our said trusty and well-beloved brethren to install their successors in office, after being duly elected and chosen; to invest them with all the powers and dignities to their offices respectively belonging, and to deliver to them this Warrant of Constitution; and such successors shall, in like manner, from time to time, install their successors, and proceed in the premises as above directed: such installation to be upon, or immediately preceding, the festival of St. John the Evangelist, during the continuance of the said Lodge forever.
Provided always, that, the said above-named ​brethren and their successors do pay, and cause to be paid, due respect and strict obedience to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . . . aforesaid, and to the rules, regulations, and edicts thereof; otherwise, this Warrant of Constitution to be of no force nor virtue.
* Q . . . . R . . . .,                                    W . . . . V . . . .,
* Grand Master.                                    Senior Grand Warden.
* S . . . . T . . . .,              [l. s.]              W . . . . X . . . .,
* Deputy Grand Master.                        Junior Grand Warden.
* Y . . . . Z . . . ., Grand Secretary.
A new Lodge, for avoiding many irregularities, should be solemnly consecrated, dedicated, and constituted, and its officers installed by the Grand Master, with his Deputy and Wardens; or, in the Grand Master's absence, the Deputy shall act for him, the Senior Grand Warden as Deputy, the Junior Grand Warden as the Senior, and the Master of the oldest Lodge as the Junior; or, if the Deputy be also absent, the Grand Master may depute either of his Grand Wardens, who can appoint others to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore.
When a Warrant is granted for constituting a new Lodge at so great a distance as to render it inconvenient, for the Grand officers to attend the ceremony, the Grand Master may issue a written instrument to some worthy brother, who has been regularly installed Master of a Lodge, empowering him to constitute the petitioners, and install their officers elect, when congregated by them, which instrument is in the following form:
To all whom it may concern:
But more especially to Brothers A. B., Worshipful Master elect; C. D., Senior Warden elect, and E. F., ​Junior Warden elect, and the rest of the brethren who have petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Master for a Warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a regular Lodge, under the authority and Masonic jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . . . .; the said petition having been granted and confirmed by the said Grand Lodge, at a . . . . communication held at . . . . . . . ., on the
Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the Masonic talents, prudence, and integrity of our Worshipful Brother, we have thought proper, ourselves being unable to attend, to constitute and appoint, and we do hereby constitute and appoint, our said Worshipful Brother our proxy, to constitute "in form" the petitioners aforesaid into a Lodge, to be known and distinguished in our Register as . . . . Lodge No. . ., and to install their officers elect agreeably to ancient form and the custom of the craft; and for so doing, this shall be his sufficient warrant.
| [l. s.] | Given under our hand and seal of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . ., at . . . . . . . .this . . . day of . . . . 58 . |
* Grand Secretary.                        Grand Master.
If the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters shall be absent, or rendered by sickness or casualty incapable of acting, the Grand Wardens may issue a like power under their hands and the Grand Seal, countersigned by the Grand Secretary; provided the Grand Master, or presiding officer, has previously signed a Warrant for holding such Lodge. But the Grand Warden, ​shall not issue any Masonic writing under their private seal or seals.
If the Grand Master in person attend 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 be vested in any other person, it is said to be constituted in form.
CONSECRATION.
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and his officers, or their representatives and proxies, meet in a convenient room near the Lodge to be consecrated, and open in the Third degree.
After the officers of the new Lodge are examined, they send a messenger to the Grand Master, with the following message:
Most Worshipful: The officers and brethren of . . . . . . Lodge, who are now assembled at . . . . . ., have instructed me to inform you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was pleased to grant them a charter, authorizing them to form and open a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of . . . . . . They are now desirous that their Lodge should be consecrated, and their officers installed in due and ancient form; for which purpose they are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge then walk in procession to the hall of the new Lodge. When the Grand Master enters, the grand honors 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.
If the ceremonies are to be performed in public, the Grand Marshal then forms the procession in the following order:
Tiler, with drawn sword; Two Stewards, with white rods; Master Masons, two and two; Junior Deacons, with rods; Senior Deacons, with rods; Secretaries, with rods; Treasurers; Junior Wardens, with columns; Senior Wardens, with columns; Masters of Lodges, with Hirams; Past Masters; Members of the higher Degrees.
THE NEW LODGE. Tiler, with a drawn sword. Stewards, with white rods; Master Masons; Junior and Senior Deacons; Secretary and Treasurer; Two brethren carrying the Lodge; Junior and Senior Wardens
The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some suitable member, not in office; The Worshipful Master; Music.
THE GRAND LODGE. Grand Tiler, with drawn sword; Junior Grand Deacons with rods; Grand Pursuivant, with sword of state; A brother carrying a Golden Vessel of Corn; Two brethren, carrying the Silver Vessels, one of Wine, the other of Oil; Grand Secretary; Grand Treasurer; A burning Taper borne by a Past Master; A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writing, Square and Compasses, supported by the Grand Stewards with white rods. Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters; The Tuscan and Composite Orders; The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders; Past Grand Wardens; Past Deputy Grand Masters; Past Grand Masters; ​The Globes; Grand Chaplain and Orator; Junior and Senior Grand Wardens; Deputy Grand Master; The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of Constitution; Grand Master, supported by the Senior Grand Deacons.
The Marshals conduct the procession to the church or house where the services are to be performed. When the front of the procession arrives at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward, while the Grand Master and others, in succession, pass through and enter the house.
A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and provided with seats for the accommodation of the Grand officers.
The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and Book of Constitutions are placed upon a table in front of the Grand Master; the Lodge is then placed in the center, upon the platform, covered with white satin or linen, and encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels of corn, wine, and oil.
The following services then take place:
An oration by some competent brother.
The Grand Marshal forms the officers and members of the new Lodge in front of the Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand Master as follows:
Most Worshipful: A number of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled together at stated periods, by virtue of a dispensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be constituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.
The dispensation and records are presented to the Grand Master, who examines the records, and, if found correct, proclaims:
The records appear to be correct, and are approved. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted the brethren of this new Lodge a Warrant, establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regular constituted Lodge; which the Grand Secretary will now read.
After the Warrant is read, the Grand Master then says:
We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge.
Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to their Master, who presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand Master, and he to the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect to the Grand Master, saying,
​Most Worshipful: I present you Brother . . . . . ., whom the members of the Lodge now to be constituted have chosen for their Master.
The Grand Master asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with their choice. [They bow in token of assent.]
The Master elect then presents, severally, his Wardens and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. The Grand Master asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with each and all of them. [They bow as before.]
The officers and members of the new Lodge form in front of the Grand Master; and the business of Consecration commences.
The Grand Master, attended by the Grand officers, form themselves in order around the Lodge—all kneeling.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is uncovered.
After which the first clause of the consecration prayer is rehearsed by the Grand Chaplain, which is as follows:
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 author of light and life, great source of love and happiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor of thy glory!
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.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the golden vessel of corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens the silver vessels of wine and oil, to the Grand Master, who sprinkles the elements of consecration upon the Lodge.
The Grand Chaplain then continues:
Grant, O Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties. May brotherly love, relief, and truth always prevail among the members of this Lodge; may this bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world!
Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed; and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed.
We affectionately commend to thee all the members of thy whole family. May they increase in grace, in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.
Finally: may we finish all our work here below with thy approbation; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal!
Glory be to God on high.
Response.—As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. So mote it be. Amen.
DEDICATION.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is uncovered.
The Grand Master then standing with his hands stretched forth over the Lodge, exclaims, in an audible voice:
To the memory of the Holy Saints John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every brother revere their character and imitate their virtues.
Glory be to God on high.
Response.—As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. So mote it be. Amen.
A piece of music is performed while the brethren of the new Lodge advance in procession, to salute the Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then take their places as they were.
CONSTITUTION.
The Grand Master then rises and constitutes the new Lodge in the following form, all the brethren standing at the same time.
In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren, into a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. From henceforth I empower you to meet as a regular Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our Order, and the charges of our ancient and honorable fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe prosper, direct, and counsel you in all your doings.
Response.—So mote it be. Amen.
The public grand honors are then given by the brethren.
INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A NEW LODGE.
The Lodge having been thus Consecrated, Dedicated, and Constituted, it is next required that the officers be installed.
The Grand Master or presiding officer says to his Deputy:
Right Worshipful Deputy, have you carefully examined the Master nominated in the Warrant, and do you find him well skilled in the mystic art?
The Deputy replies:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I have carefully examined and so find him.
The Grand Master says:
You will then present him at the pedestal for installation.
The Deputy taking the Master elect from among his fellows, presents him at the pedestal, saying:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I present my worthy Brother, A. B., to be installed Worshipful Master of this new Lodge. I find him to be of good morals and of great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of the fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth, I doubt not that he will discharge his duty with fidelity and with honor.
The Master then faces his brethren, and the Grand Master says:
Brethren, you now behold before the pedestal, Brother A. B., who has been duly nominated ​Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and now declares himself ready for installation. If any of you have any reasons to urge why he should not be installed, you will make them known now, or else forever hereafter hold your peace. Hearing no objections, I shall proceed to install him.
The Master elect then faces the Grand Master, who continues
Brother, previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations which point out the duty of the Master of a Lodge.
I. Do you promise to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law?
Ans. I do.
II. Do you promise to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside?
Ans. I do.
III. Do you promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the government of the country in which you live; but patiently to submit to the decisions of the law and the constituted authorities?
Ans. I do.
IV. Do you promise to pay proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men?
Ans. I do.
V. Do you promise to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order of Freemasonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, ​according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with the constitutions of the Order?
Ans. I do.
VI. Do you promise, as much as in you lies, to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess?
Ans. I do.
VII. Do you promise to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge?
Ans. I do.
VIII. Do you promise to respect genuine and true brethren, and to discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the Ancient Landmarks and Constitutions of Masonry?
Ans. I do.
IX. Do you promise, according to the best of your abilities, to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art, according to our statutes?
Ans. I do.
X. Do you promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons that is not subversive of the principles and ground work of Masonry?
Ans. I do.
​XI. Do you admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry?
Ans. I do.
XII. Do you promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry, on convenient occasions?
Ans. I do.
XIII. Do you admit that no new Lodge can be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge; and that no countenance ought to be given to any irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, as being contrary to the ancient charges of the Order?
Ans. I do.
XIV. Do you admit that no person can be regularly made a Freemason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his character?
Ans. I do.
XV. Do you agree that no visitors shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular Lodge?
Ans. I do.
These are the regulations of Free and Accepted Masons.
The presiding officer then addresses the Master as follows:
Do you submit to these charges, and promise to ​support these regulations, as Masters have done in all ages before you?
The Master is to answer, I do.
The presiding officer then addresses him :
Brother A. B., in consequence of your cheerful conformity to the charges and regulations of the Order, you are now to be installed Master of this new Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern the same.
The new Master is then regularly invested with the insignia of his office, and the furniture and implements of his Lodge, accompanied by the following charge:
The Holy Writings, that Great Light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth: it will direct your path to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station; that rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted.
The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and neither inclining to the right ​nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude. to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to a glorious immortality.
The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be frequently read, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts which it enjoins.
You now receive the Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve and duly transmit it to your successor in office.
You will also receive in charge the By-laws of your Lodge, which you are to see care fully and punctually executed.
The new Master is then placed on the left hand of the Grand Master, who, calling up the brethren, says:
Brethren, behold your Master!
Master, behold your brethren!
And then the brethren salute him with the grand honors of Masonry.
The following charge is then read to the Worshipful Master elect:
Worshipful Master: Being appointed Master of this Lodge, you can not be insensible of the obligations which devolve upon you as its head, nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties annexed to your appointment.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns; while the happiness of its members will be generally promoted in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine principles of our institution.
For the pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle In like manner, it is your province to spread and communicate light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which are ​taught in it; and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution; so that, when any one is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows; to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and his heart expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the by-laws of your Lodge, the constitutions of Masonry and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide of your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time shall be no more.
You will now present your subordinate officers in their order.
The subordinate officers are then severally presented to the Grand Master by the new Master, who, having invested each with the insignia of his office, delivers a short charge, as follows:
THE SENIOR WARDEN.
Brother C. D., you are appointed Senior Warden of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office.
The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we we brethren; for he who is placed on the lowest ​spoke of fortune's wheel, may be entitled to oar regard; because a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinction, but that of goodness, shall cease; and death, the grand leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
Your regular attendance on our stated meetings is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this Lodge; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry, and attachment to the Lodge, for the faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust.—Look well to the West.
THE JUNIOR WARDEN.
Brother E. F., you are appointed Junior Warden of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office.
The Plumb admonishes us to walk up rightly in our several stations; to hold the scales of justice in equal poise; to observe the just medium between intemperance and pleasure; and to make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty.
To you is committed the superintendence of the craft during the hours of refreshment; it is, there fore, indispensably necessary that you should not only be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the craft be suffered to convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance and excess.
Your regular and punctual attendance is ​particularly requested; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment.—Look well to the South.
THE TREASURER.
Brother G. H., you are appointed Treasurer of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of the Secretary, make due entries of the same, and pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge.
I trust your regard for the fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office.
THE SECRETARY.
Brother J. K., you are appointed Secretary of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to observe all the proceedings of the Lodge; make a fair record of all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due the Lodge, pay them over to the Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same
Your good inclination to Masonry and this Lodge, I hope, will induce you to discharge your office with fidelity; and by so doing, you will merit the esteem and applause of your brethren.
SENIOR AND JUNIOR DEACONS.
Brothers L. M. and N. O., you are appointed Deacons of this Lodge. To you, with such assistance as may be necessary, is intrusted the introduction of visitors. It is also your province to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge; such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry, and in the immediate practice of our rites. The Square and Compasses, as badges of your office I trust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.
THE STEWARDS.
Brothers P. Q. and R. S., you are appointed Stewards of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. The duties of your office are, to assist in the collection of dues and subscriptions; to keep an account of the Lodge expenses; to see the tables are properly furnished at refreshment, and that every brother is suitably provided for; and generally to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their duties.
Your regular and early attendance will afford the best pre of of your zeal and attachment to the Lodge.
THE TILER.
Brother T. U., you are appointed Tiler of this Lodge, and I invest you with the implement of your office. As the Sword is placed in the hands of the Tiler, to enable him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass but such as are duly qualified; so it should morally serve as a constant admonition to us, to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts; to place a watch at the door of our lips; to post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions, thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought, word, and deed; and preserving consciences void of offense toward God and toward man. Your early and punctual attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal for the institution.
The members of the new Lodge then, all standing, the Grand Master delivers the following
CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN OF THE LODGE.
Such is the nature of our constitution, that as some must of necessity rule and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge are sufficiently acquainted with the rules of propriety and the laws of the institution, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are intrusted; and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the grand design of being happy, and communicating happiness.
​Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected with so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct, as men and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your children's children celebrate with joy and gratitude the transactions of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired from generation to generation.
The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new Lodge in the following form:
In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of . . . . . . . . . . . ., I now proclaim this new Lodge by the name of . . . . . . Lodge, No. . ., to be legally constituted and consecrated, and the officers thereof duly installed, with the grand honors of Masonry by three times three.
The grand honors are given, and the following Ode is sung:
Hail, Masonry divine, Glory of ages shine; Long may'st thou reign! Where'er thy Lodges stand, May they have great command. And always grace the land; Thou art divine.
Great fabrics still arise, And grace the azure skies— Great are thy schemes; Thy noble orders are Matchless beyond compare; No art with thee can share; Thou art divine.
Hiram, the architect, Did all the craft direct How they should build; Sol'mon, great Israel's king, Did mighty blessings bring, And left us room to sing, Hail, Royal Art!
A benediction is then pronounced by the Grand Chaplain, and the procession returns to the Lodge-room.
Here all but Past Masters are caused to retire, and the Worshipful Master is solemnly inducted into the Oriental Chair of Solomon, and invested with the mysteries of the Past Master's degree.
Master Masons being then admitted, the members of the new Lodge advance in procession, pay due homage to the new Master, and signify their promise of subjection and obedience by the usual marks of distinction in the different degrees of Masonry.
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to form the procession, when the Grand Lodge returns to it own hall, and the two Lodges are closed in due form.
* ↑ If there be any Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, they may join the procession outside of the Lodge, and will precede the Master Masons.
* ↑ Where the ceremony is performed in a Lodge the private grand honors are given, but when in a church or other public building, the public grand honors, of course, are only to be given.
* ↑ Chapter Past Masters who have never presided over a symbolic Lodge, art not permitted to be present at this ceremony.