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through Him who is the Resurrection and the Life, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, and who now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

VI.

FORM FOR THE

REMOVAL OF THE CONSECRATION OF

A CHURCH

The Bishop, Clergy, Churchwardens and other officers, with as many other persons as may desire, being assembled within the building, a statement shall be made declaring the reasons why it is considered desirable that the consecration shall be removed from it.

The Bishop shall then say:

Good people, you have heard the reasons for which it is thought well that this church, hitherto consecrated and separated from all worldly uses, shall be no longer thus continued, but that it shall be taken down and moved away [or appropriated to other worldly purposes]. We, as Bishop of the Diocese [and consecrator of the church], have carefully considered these reasons, and are persuaded that they are just and right and such as will not be displeasing to Almighty God, to whom this church was dedicated and given. We believe rather that the glory of God and the work of His Spiritual Church will be the more promoted by that which we are about to do.

Doubtless there are some to whom the building has become endeared by many sacred memories, and to whom it may appear that a loss has come, that something has passed out of their lives. Such persons will be comforted by the assurance that the Presence of God, and the consolation of our Holy Religion, are not tied to any one place or building. It may well be that in the new and perhaps fairer building in which they

will hereafter worship, God will increase to them sevenfold that with which He has blessed them in this place.

In determining upon the act of to-day, we have taken council with the Standing Committee of the Diocese, and have as required by the Canons obtained their consent.

We have caused that the Altar hitherto in this church should be carefully removed and protected from desecration.

We have also taken proper care that the congregation hitherto worshipping in this church shall be duly ministered to.

This being done, and there appearing to be no further hindrance in the way, we do now declare that the dedication and consecration placed upon this church is now removed therefrom, and it is hereby deprived of all rights, immunities and privileges attached to a consecrated building. We further direct that this our act of to-day and the reasons therefor be entered upon the records of the diocese.

Then shall the Bishop say:

The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father.

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of Thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life,

they may ever be defended by Thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto Thy people, that they may love the thing which Thou commandest, and desire that which Thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make His face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us; the Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen.

VII.
SERVICE

FOR THE ADMISSION OF LAY READERS TO THEIR OFFICE

At the appointed time each person to be admitted to the Office of Reader shall be presented unto the Bishop by a Priest appointed by him, with these words:

Reverend Father in God, I present unto you this person to be admitted to the Office of Lay Reader in this Diocese.

Then those who are to be admitted or licensed kneeling before the Bishop, he shall stand up and say:

Almighty and Merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service, look down, we beseech Thee, on this Thy servant [or these Thy servants] who is now to receive authority from us for his work in Thy Church. Pour upon him the abundance of Thy grace; make him modest and humble in his ministrations, ready to obey those set over him in the Lord, diligent to frame and fashion his own life, and the lives of his family, according to Thy blessed Word. Grant unto him to grow in the knowledge and love of Thy Word, that he may minister to the salvation of souls, to the edification of Thy Church, and to the glory of Thy Holy Name; so that finally he may have his portion with those who have faithfully ministered Thy Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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