A grand procession is then formed, in the following order; viz. Tyler with a drawn Sword; Two Stewards with white Rods; Marshal; Master Masons; Junior Deacons ; Senior Deacons ; Secretaries; Treasurers; Junior Wardens; Senior Wardens; Past Masters; Mark Masters; Royal Arch Masons; Select Masters; Knights Templars; The New Lodge. Tyler with a drawn Sword; Master Masons; Junior and Senior Deacons ; Secretary and Treasurer; Two Brethren, carrying the Flooring,* or Lodge; * Carpet. Junior and Senior Wardens; The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some suitable member, not in office; The Grand Lodge. Grand Tyler with drawn Sword; Grand Stewards with white Rods; A Brother carrying a Golden Vessel of Corn ;* Two Brethren, carrying the Silver Vessels, one of Wine, the other of Oil; Grand Secretaries ; Grand Treasurers ; A burning Taper, borne by a Past Master; Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters; Marshal; The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders; Past Deputy Grand Masters; Past Grand Masters; The Globes; Clergy and Orator; R. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens ; The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of The M. W. Grand Master; * Wheat. 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 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 flooring is then spread in the centre, upon the platform, covered with white satin or linen, and encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels of corn, wine, and oil. SERVICES. 1. A piece of Music. 2. Prayer. S. An Oration. 4. A piece of Music. 5. 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 mys teries 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 grauted the brethren of this new Lodge a charter, establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regular constituted Lodge; which the Grand Secretary will now read. After the charter is read, the Grand Master then says, We shall nów 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 them 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 Con-* secration commences with solemn music. 6. Ceremony of Consecration. The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers and the Grand Chaplain, form themselves in order round the lodge-all devoutly kneeling. 7. A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is uncovered. After which, the first clause of the Consecration Prayer is rehearsed, which is 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 honour 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 takes the Golden Vessel of Corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens take the Silver Vessels of Wine and Oil, and sprinkle 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 in |