Britain, in the year of Masonry 4926, viz. GRAND MASTER. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. SENIOR GRAND WARDEN. JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN. After a charter is granted by the grand lodge, a day and hour is appointed by the grand master, for the constituting and consecrating the new lodge, and for installing its officers. If the ceremony is attended by the Do by these presents, appoint, author-grand master, in person, the lodge is ize, and empower, our worthy brother to be the master; our worthy brother to be the senior warden; and our worthy brother to be the junior warden, of a lodge of free and accepted Masons, to be, by virtue hereof, constituted, formed, and held which lodge shall be distinguished by the name or style of and the said master and wardens, and their successors in office, are hereby respectively authorized and directed, by and with the assistance and consent of a majority of the members of the said lodge, duly to be summoned and present upon such occasions, to elect and install the officers of the said lodge as vacancies occur, in manner and form as is or may be prescribed by the constitution of this grand lodge. And further, the said lodge is hereby invested with full power and authority to assemble upon proper and lawful occasions, and to make Masons, to admit members, as also to do and perform all and every such acts and things appertaining to the craft, as have been, and ought to be done, for the honour and advantage thereof; conforming in all their proceedings to the constitutions of this grand lodge, otherwise this warrant and the powers thereby granted, to cease and be of no further effect. Given under our hands, and the seal of our grand lodge, in the day of this of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred, and and in the year of Masonry, five thousand eight hundred, and Registered in the book of the grand lodge, vol. page GRAND SECRETARY. considered to be constituted IN AMPLE FORM; if by the deputy grand master only, it is considered to be constituted IN DUE FORM; but if the power of performing the ceremony is vested in any subordinate lodge, it is considered only to be constituted IN FORM. When it is inconvenient for the grand officers to attend, the grand master, or his deputy, may issue an instrument, under his hand, and private seal, empowering some worthy present or past master, to conjugate, constitute, and install the petitioners. OF CONSTITUTING, AND CONSECRATING A LODGE, AND INSTALLING ITS OF FICERS. At the time appointed, the proper officers for performing the ceremony, 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. The officers of the new lodge are to be examined by the deputy grand master; after which they return to their own lodge, and after making preparations for the reception of the grand lodge, send a messenger to the grand master, informing him that they wait his pleasure. The grand lodge then walk in procession to the hall of the new lodge, where the grand honours are given, as the grand master enters; and the officers of the new lodge resign their seats to the grand officers, and take their several stations on the left. After the necessary cautions are given, all, excepting masters, and past masters, are requested to retire, until the master of the new lodge is placed in the chair of Solomon. After which, he is bound to the faithful performance of his duties, and invested with the characteristics of his office. Upon due notice, the brethren are reconducted by the grand marshal, into the hall, and all take their places, excepting the members of the new lodge, who form a procession on one side, to salute their master; and the grand master addresses them; "Brethren, behold your master!" and as they pass, they make the proper salutation. After all have passed, their new master joins them, and takes his appropriate station. After which a grand procession is formed in the following order, viz. Tyler with a Drawn Sword; Master Masons; Junior Deacons ; The New Lodge. The Grand Lodge. A Burning Taper, borne by a Past • Master; A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings; Square and compass supported by two Stewards with Rods; Two Burning Tapers, borne by two Past Grand Wardens; Junior and Senior Grand Wardens; The Master of the Oldest Lodge, care rying the Book of Constitutions; The M. W. GRAND MASTER; The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on the right and left of the Grand Master, with Black Rods; Grand Sword Bearer, with a Drawn Sword; Two Stewards with White Rods. The procession then moves on to the house of service, where, when the front of the procession arrives, the whole halt, open to the right and left, and face inward, while the grand master and others in the rear, pass through, and enter the house. The grand officers are seated on a platform, in front of the pulpit. The bible, square and compass, with the book of constitutions, are placed upon a table in front of the grand master, the lodge is placed in the centre, upon the platform, covered with white silk or linnen, and encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels of corn, wine, and oil. After the performance of a piece of music, the services commence with prayer. An appropriate oration or sermon, is then delivered by the grand chaplain, or some other suitable person, which is succeeded by music, &c. By direction of the grand marshal, the officers and other brethren of the new lodge, form in front of the grand master, and the deputy, thus addresses him: "Most Worshipful, "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, do now desire to be constituted into a regular lodge under the jurisdiction of this grand lodge; agreeable to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity." Their secretary then delivers the charter and records to the master elect, who presents them to the grand master. The grand master after examining the records, if they are found correct, proclaims them as such, and says, "Upon due deliberation, the grand lodge have granted the brethren of this new lodge, a charter, confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted lodge; which the grand secretary will now read.” After the charter is read, the grand master says, "We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular lodge." | the other, his wardens and other offi cers; naming them and their office. The grand master asks the brethren, if they are satisfied with each and all of them. [They bow as before.] Next, during the solemn music, the lodge is uncovered. All devoutly kneel. The music ceases; and the grand chaplain rehearses the following or some other suitable 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! 66 Glory be to God on high!" [RESPONSE by the brethren.] As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. AMEN! During the response, the deputy grand master, and grand wardens, take the vessels of corn, wine, and oil, and sprinkle the elements of consecration upon the lodge; after which the grand chaplain proceeds: "Grant, O Lord our God, that they who are now about to be invested with the government of this lodge, may be Whereupon the jewels and badges are delivered up by the officers of the new lodge, to their master, who pre-endued with wisdom to instruct their sents them with his own, to the deputy grand master, and he to the grand master. The deputy graud master now presents the master of the new lodge 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 them, if they remain satisfied with their choice. [They bow, in token of assent.] The master then presents, one after brethren in all their 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 thy whole family. May they increase in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other. "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 terins: "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, with their hands crossed on their breasts, bowing as they pass. They then take their places, and stand as they were. The music ceases, and the master proceeds to constitute the lodge, as follows: Brethren, In the name of the most worshipful grand lodge, I now constitute you into a lodge of free and accepted Masons; and from henceforth empower you to act, as a regular lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our order, and the charges of our ancient and honourable fraternity, and may our Supreme Grand Master, the Great Architect of the Universe, prosper, direct, and counsel you in all your doings. [Response by the members of the grand lodge.] So mote it be ! The grand honours are then given, and the ceremony of installation succeeds. The grand master asks the deputy grand master, whether he has examined the master nominated in the warrant; and finds him well skilled in the science of Masonry, and worthy to be invested with the government of a lodge? The deputy grand master answering in the affirmative, the grand master says, "Present him to me." The deputy grand master takes the master by the hand, and presents him to the grand master, saying, "Most Worshipful, "I present you my worthy brother, to be installed master of the new lodge. I find him to be of good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty; and a lover of the whole fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth; and, I doubt not he will discharge his duty with fidelity." The grand master then says to him, "Brother, "Previous to your investiture, it is proper that you signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations, which contain the duty of a master of a lodge. They will be read to you by the grand secretary." The following are accordingly read: "You agree to be a good man, and true; and strictly to obey the moral law. "You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you re side. "You promise not to be concerned in plots or conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legisla ture. "You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate; to work diligently, live in credit, and act honourably with all men. "You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, when convened, in every case consistent with the constitutions of the order. "You agree to avoid private quarrels, and to guard against all intemperance and excess. "You agree to be cautious in your behaviour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your lodge. "You promise to respect true and faithful brethren, and to discountenance all impostors. The grand master then addresses the master elect in the following man ner: "Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these regulations, as masters have done in all ages before you ?" The new master having signified his submission, the grand master says, "Brother, "In consequence of your conformity to the charges and regulations of the "You agree to promote the gene-order, you are now to be installed ral good, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge | of true Masonry. master of this new lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern the same." He then invests him with his jewel, and thus addresses him: badge of the office of master of this "I invest you with the honourable lodge. And now present you the insignia of your office, and the necessary furniture of your lodge. "The Holy Bible, that great light of Masonry, will guide you to all truth; will direct you to the temple of love: and point to you the whole duof man. "You promise to submit to the grand master for the time being, and to his officers, when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every regulation of the grand lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles of Masonry.ty "You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make alteration or innovation in Masonry. "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. "You admit that no new lodge should be formed, without permission of the grand master, and with the consent of the grand lodge. "You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason, or admitted into any lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his charac ter. "You promise that no visiters shall be received into your lodge, without due examination, or being vouched for by some well known brother. "The Square is to bring all rude matter into form,' teaches you to form and instruct all Masons under your care, and to make them perfect in their order. "The Compasses direct you to keep your brethren within the limits of Masonry and so to regulate your lodge, that none be admitted but such as are worthy that higher sphere of merit, and of worth. "I present you also this book, which contains the Constitutions of Masonry. Search it at all times. Let it be read in your lodge; that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins. "Lastly, I give into your charge the. By-laws of your lodge. See that every member abides by them." The jewels of the officers of the new lodge are then returned to the master, who delivers them respective "These are the regulations of freely to the officers of the grand lodge, and accepted Masons." according to their rank. The officers. |