"Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every sa. tisfaction 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 manner, viz. "In the name of the most worshipful grand lodge of the state of, I proclaim this new lodge, by the name of Lodge, duly consti tuted." This proclamation is made thrice, and each time followed with a flourish of drums or trumpets. The grand chaplain then makes the concluding prayer, which ends the public ceremonies. The grand procession is then formed in the same order as before, and returns to the hall. The grand master, deputy grand master, and grand wardens, being seated, all but master masons are caused to retire, and the procession con tinues round the hall, which upon passing the several grand officers, pays them due homage, by the usual congratulations and honours, in the dif ferent degrees. During the procession (which passes three times round the lodge) the following song is sung, which concludes the ceremony of installation. The lodge is then closed with the usual solemnities in the different degrees, by the grand master and his officers. This is the usual ceremony observed by regular masons at the constitution of a new lodge, which the grand master may abridge or extend at pleasure; but the material points are on no account to be omitted. The same ceremony and charges attend every succeeding installation of new offi cers. The Third Section. Ceremony observed at laying the Foundation Stone of Public Structures. This ceremony is conducted by the grand master and his officers, assisted by the members of the grand lodge, and such officers and members of private lodges as can conveniently attend. The chief magistrate, and other civil officers of the place where the building is to be erected, also generally attend on the occasion: At the time appointed, the grand lodge is convened at some suitable place, approved by the grand master. A band of martial music is provided, and the brethren appear in the insignia of the order, and with white gloves and aprons. The lodge is opened by the grand master, and the rules for regulating the procession to and from the place where the ceremony is to be performed, are read by the grand secretary. The necessary cautions are then given from the chair, and the lodge is adjourned; after which the procession sets out in the following order: Procession at Laying Foundation Stones. Two Tylers, with Drawn Swords, Marshal. Fellow Crafts, Senior Deacons, Treasurers, Past Wardens, Junior Wardens, Senior Wardens, Past Masters, Royal Arch Masons, Grand Tyler, with a Drawn Sword, Grand Stewards, with White Rods, A Brother, with a Golden Vessel containing Corn, Two Brethren, with Silver Vessels, one containing Wine, and the other Oil, Principal Architect, with Square, Level and Plumb, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, Bible, Square and Compass, carried by a Master of a Lodge, supported by two Stewards, Grand Chaplain, The Five Orders, Past Grand Wardens, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Chief Magistrate of the Place,. Two Large Lights, borne by two Masters of Lodges, Grand Wardens, One Large Light, borne by a Master of a Lodge, Deputy Grand Master, Master of the Oldest Lodge, bearing the Book of Constitutions, on a Velvet Cushion, Grand Deacons, with Black Rods, on a Line seven Feet apart, GRAND MASTER, Grand Sword Bearer, with a Drawn Sword, |